Patricio Ruano 鈥�21 B.S. Biology & B.A. Global Studies
By Abigail Napp
Patricio Ruano knew he wanted to be a doctor from the moment a cardiologist saved his father from a near-fatal heart attack in rural Guatemala. But he doubted his academic potential.聽
At 海角社区CI, everything changed. His vocational wish became an attainable goal.
鈥淚 feel almost indebted,鈥� said Ruano. 鈥満＝巧缜鳦I turned me into the person who could get into medical school.鈥�
In college, Ruano spent many enriching years filled with meaningful mentorships, professional experiences, and rewarding community service activities. In 2021, he graduated with not one degree, but two, a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Global Studies.
Now, two years into medical school at Michigan State University, he understands why the values, skills, and nurturing relationships he developed at 海角社区CI remain vivid and inspiring.
鈥淓very professor I had at 海角社区CI was a dream professor,鈥� he said. 鈥淚n medical school, I talk to classmates who tell me how their universities were more of an academic institution that didn鈥檛 prioritize teaching. At 海角社区CI, they鈥檙e there to teach and mentor.鈥澛�
Ruano grew up in Los Angeles and was the first in his family to graduate from a four-year university. At 海角社区CI, he completed the summer bridge experience and was part of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) for first generation students.聽
His interactions with faculty and staff were personable, memorable, and validating from the start. The genuine warmth and encouragement of one particular staff member, Kari Moss, who was excited by his desire to become a doctor, stayed with him years after orientation.
鈥淗earing those words 鈥� so sincere 鈥� from professional staff was a big deal,鈥� he said.聽
Ruano soon overcame his academic doubts and excelled. He pursued scientific research, clinical experiences in regional hospitals, and an impactful study abroad trip to India.聽
As a freshman and sophomore, he completed an undergraduate research fellowship, surveying a bat species on Santa Rosa Island. Then he worked in a laboratory with Professor of Biology Nikita Parmar, Ph.D., analyzing the interaction between cancer cells and artificial sweeteners, like Sweet鈥橬 Low庐.聽
鈥淚t was crazy stuff working with cancer cells at 19 and 20 years old,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat was a huge privilege and honor.鈥�
During his junior year, he participated in a trip to India also led by Parmar. While touring an eco-village just a half-hour east of Mumbai, he met with Hindu leaders who talked about spirituality and healthcare. There, Ruano learned how treatment included not only the diagnosis and eradication of disease, but also the connection and care for the patient鈥檚 wellbeing.
鈥淣ow in medical school, I鈥檝e seen how it can become algorithmic as you look for the diagnosis, but I still hear the words of the Swami we met in rural India,鈥� he said. 鈥淗is ideas really gave me a purpose. He said, 鈥榃herever you are, whatever you do, you need to have compassion and empathy.鈥欌��
Another extremely foundational experience at 海角社区CI was becoming a COPE Health Scholar. For two years, Ruano gained on-the-ground clinical medical experience at the local St. John鈥檚 Hospitals.
One day, when his studies are complete, he hopes to return to Ventura County as Dr. Patricio Ruano.
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漏 Spring 2022 / Volume 27 / Number 1 / Biannual