February 24, 2025

Fueling a passion for health care advocacy

For Eric Carillo, a second-year JD student at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, law is a second career for him. Prior to law school, Carillo spent several years in the durable medical equipment industry, where he witnessed firsthand the challenges people face in accessing health care. 

“I learned that access to care isn’t limited to hospitals and clinics,” Carillo said. “There are many moving parts in the medical field, and when any one of them fails, patients suffer greatly.”

Carillo described his experience in the industry as an eye-opener. ”The bad experiences shed light on how many patients are taken advantage of every day,” he said. “Many people are unaware of harmful practices, and it’s very easy for medical companies to take advantage of elderly patients and vulnerable parents seeking care for their children. This was one of the main reasons I chose to go to law school.”

As an ASU Law transfer, Carillo said the college’s academic rigor and its health and wellness programs were key factors in his decision. He emphasized the importance of the curriculum and adjunct professors in shaping his legal education.

After earning his JD, Carillo hopes to work in public service, advocating for vulnerable populations and making a meaningful difference. In the meantime, he is gaining valuable experience through an externship at Valleywise Health. There, he helps the legal team stay informed on executive orders, reviews Arizona Legislature bill proposals for potential issues and assists in refining hospital policies under the guidance of the general counsel. One notable part of his externship has been observing mental health hearings related to court-ordered treatment.

“This externship is giving me insight on how a health care organization should operate,” Carillo said. “Learning about the behind-the-scenes challenges in day-to-day operations has reassured me that there are people in the health care industry who prioritize patient care and always strive to do the right thing.”

As Carillo continues his studies and externship, he remains focused on gaining as much experience as possible. He is determined to apply everything he learns in the classroom and through his professional experiences to one day make a lasting impact in the field of law.

For information on the health and wellbeing area of expertise, visit law.asu.edu/health-and-wellbein

Written by Crystal Jimenez