Compass Ecosystem Podcast Episode 18 | Building the Next Gen of Healers - Dr. Francisco Moreno, MD

What if health and wellness begin long before someone walks into a doctor's office? What if it starts with the belief that every student—regardless of background—belongs in the health professions? Welcome back to the Compass Ecosystem Podcast, where we explore how people, partnerships, and systems come together to strengthen the Human Development Ecosystem across Southern Arizona. In Episode 18, we're honored to welcome Dr. Francisco Moreno, MD, Associate Vice President for Student Engagement and Career Advancement at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, Professor of Psychiatry, and a nationally recognized leader in health equity, medical education, and workforce development. Through initiatives like the NIH's All of Us Research Program, Az-PRIDE, and Arizona HOPE, Dr. Moreno is helping create pathways for students from traditionally underrepresented and under-resourced communities to pursue careers in medicine and the health sciences. Because when we expand who has access to opportunity, we expand who can shape the future of healthcare. And when communities see themselves reflected in their healthcare workforce, everyone benefits. At Compass Affordable Housing, we believe in creating safe places for human development—communities where people have access not only to housing and stability, but also to the opportunities that help them thrive. July's ecosystem theme is Physiological Needs, reminding us that meeting basic health needs is one of the most fundamental building blocks of human development. Dr. Moreno's work reminds us that meeting our communities' physiological needs requires more than healthcare systems alone. It requires investing in people, creating pathways for future healthcare leaders, and ensuring every community has access to the care and support that allow human development to flourish. Healthy communities don't happen by accident. They are built when we invest in the next generation of healers, create pathways for underserved students to succeed, and ensure that every person—regardless of their background—has the opportunity to contribute their talents to the health and well-being of our communities. If you care about education, health equity, workforce development, and building stronger communities through opportunity, this conversation is for you. Subscribe to the Compass Ecosystem Podcast New episodes premiere every Friday, featuring leaders, innovators, and changemakers working together to strengthen the Human Development Ecosystem across Southern Arizona. Learn More Compass Affordable Housing: https://compassaffordablehousing.org University of Arizona Health Sciences Student Engagement and Career Advancement: https://healthsciences.arizona.edu/ou... Connect With Us Follow Compass Affordable Housing on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube for more stories, partnerships, and conversations shaping stronger communities. #CompassAffordableHousing #CompassEcosystemPodcast #HumanDevelopmentEcosystem #HealthEquity #PhysiologicalNeeds #WorkforceDevelopment #FutureHealthcareLeaders #MedicalEducation #CommunityHealth #StrongerCommunities #ArizonaHOPE Because when our basic needs are met, hope has room to grow.