Emma Federico’s journey to becoming a compassionate physician and passionate social justice advocate

For Emma Federico, the path to medicine was never just about stethoscopes and prescriptions. It was about something much larger—a mission to heal individuals while also transforming the systems and structures that affect their health. Now a student in the dual MD/MPH program at Loyola University Chicago, Federico is turning that mission into reality. 

Prior to medical school, Federico was an emergency medical technician (EMT) and neurosurgery researcher in her hometown of Seattle. As a research scientist, she was drawn to the investigative side of healthcare, but lacked the tools to analyze the data she was collecting. This realization, in part, led her down the path to pursuing dual MD/MPH degrees. Loyola’s dual-degree program provided her with a pathway for combining medical training with public health knowledge and the opportunity to gain data analysis skills. 

The year spent pursuing a Master of Public Health in epidemiology in Loyola’s Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health was a pivotal chapter in her journey. It not only prepared her with data analysis skills, but also opened her eyes to the social determinants of health and the barriers that perpetuate disparities in healthcare.  

“This knowledge continues to shape my perspective as I progress through medical school,” Federico said. “I treated my MPH year like a research year, and it was one of the most rewarding aspects of this path.” 

Her dedication to research led to the publication of six papers, including her first piece as first author. She credits the program’s mentorship and rigorous training for her growth, as well as providing a solid springboard for transitioning into medical school.  

Social justice advocacy 

During her work as an EMT in Seattle, Federico witnessed the impact of gun violence firsthand. That experience paired with her public health training led her to deepen her advocacy.  

While completing her MPH, she became involved in Loyola Stands Against Gun Violence, an annual summit that highlights advocacy strategies aimed at reducing gun violence. In 2024, she was selected as a Loyola Stands Fellow, a program supported by a grant from Loyola’s Center for Health Outcomes and Informatics Research (CHOIR). As a panelist at the 5th Annual Loyola Stands summit, Federico was driven to help spotlight community voices and actionable steps.  

“I hope attendees left feeling not only motivated but also truly empowered to drive change in their own communities,” she said. 

She also worked on a research project that examines survival outcomes for cranial and spinal gunshot wounds, exploring how factors like demographics and socioeconomic status influence recovery. 

Caring for the whole person 

Having honed her research skills and developed a passion for connecting the dots between patient care and public health, Federico is looking ahead to her future in medicine. She is considering a career in emergency medicine, an area that would combine her clinical skills and rapid-response decision-making. Whatever specialty she chooses, she’s certain her MPH background will continue to inform her work, especially her focus on health equity and systems-level advocacy.  

“As a physician, I aim to combat health inequalities both on an individual level by advocating for my patients and on a broader scale as a public health researcher,” she said. 

Federico’s early experiences as an EMT, hospital volunteer, and clinical researcher shaped her passion for social justice. She learned that compassionate care doesn’t just build trust; it changes outcomes. That ethos, combined with her Jesuit education at Seattle University and now Loyola, has defined her approach to medicine.  

“I was drawn to Loyola’s commitment to caring for the whole person,” she said. “It was exactly the kind of environment I wanted to be in.”