Engaging the Next Generation: One High School Student’s Take on Health Economics and Policy

High school student Angel Ruhil explores virtual care during the pandemic in a recently published article, showcasing the power of early mentorship and curiosity.

By: Marielle Boutin

In high school, students are often just beginning to explore their interests but rarely get the chance to tackle challenging questions that define academic research.

One high school student didn’t just want to scratch the surface but expand her curiosity about public health policy to contribute meaningful insights about equitable access to care.

Angel Ruhil is currently a Grade 12 student at London Central Secondary School whose interest in economics and public health led her to pursue her own research in health economics, which she considers “the backbone of a promising future in health care.”

Aware of the rising systemic pressures such as ER wait times, surgery delays, and drug price discrepancies, Angel knew that an informed understanding on the policies that form the bedrock of our health systems was crucial in order to contribute positive and equitable change.

“I want to improve access, especially for those in rural and remote communities, low-income families, seniors, and newcomers,” says Ruhil. “Canada ranks among the best in the world for quality of care, but accessibility remains a pressing issue. For some, this means long travel distances to clinics. For others, it is long waits or trouble finding a family doctor. Regardless, adequate health care is a basic human right, so access must be timely and equal for all.”

Ruhil reached out to Dr. Eric Nauenberg, faculty of health economics at IHPME, requesting guidance in further exploring her interest in the field.

After shadowing one of Dr. Nauenberg’s Post-Docs, Ruhil wrote an independent paper exploring virtual psychiatric care during the pandemic, which she says was inspired by her friends’ struggles with anxiety, loneliness and delays in care during the pandemic.

She was also interested in psychiatry as one of the few specialties in which care can be replicated in a virtual space without sacrificing much in terms of efficacy.

“From there, I wanted to know who gained access, who was left out, and what happened to continuity when care moved online.”

According to Dr. Nauenberg, Ruhil’s determination prompted him to take on a mentorship role, guiding her through the writing process, and ultimately getting her article published in Longwoods Health Care Policy.

“She inspired me by her initial contact that showed such keen interest in somebody so young,” says Dr. Nauenberg.

Beyond writing, Ruhil gained hands-on experience in data analysis and benefited from meaningful networking opportunities.

Looking ahead, Ruhil hopes her paper will contribute to the conversation around access to care, particularly among underserved groups.

“Equity matters because who gets punctual follow-up, booking, and care often determines their health outcomes. I want to bridge the access gap and find solutions, whether through policy, incentives, or more innovative delivery models. In the end, care should not depend on your income, postal code, age, or any other factor.”

While graduate institutes don’t typically collaborate with high school students, Dr. Nauenberg says this is an example of how engaging students early in their academic careers can spark fresh and innovative solutions to complex public health challenges.

“I believe that ultimately this serves our young people and also possibly steers future students in our direction once they are ready to pursue graduate studies.”

By connecting with these students in their formative years, institutes like IHPME aren’t just opening doors, they are unlocking the potential for bold ideas that can transform the future of public health.