Ruby Simmasalam, MD/MPH

About

Ruby Simmasalam is a neurocritical care fellow at the University of Maryland; R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. With an MD/MPH from Tulane University, she brings a deep commitment to health equity and preventative care, particularly in underserved communities. Her work spans clinical research, public health interventions, and education—ranging from developing mobile screening units and health curricula in New Orleans to simulation-based training programs for neurologic emergencies in Zambia and the U.S.

At Global Health Equity Partners (GHEP), Dr. Simmasalam serves as the Director of Strategic Alliance, where she leads efforts to build meaningful, sustainable partnerships that advance GHEP’s mission locally and globally. Her passion for community engagement, capacity building, and equitable care access uniquely positions her to foster impactful collaborations across sectors and geographies.

What sets Dr. Simmasalam apart is her unwavering heart for service and her ability to blend scientific rigor with deep compassion. She approaches global health work not only as a physician but also as a bridge-builder—listening intently to community needs and co-creating solutions that are culturally grounded and locally sustainable. Her dedication to uplifting marginalized voices and forging enduring partnerships reflects both her professional excellence and her profound sense of humanity.