David R. Ruiz, MD, FAAFP

Dr. Ruiz was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. After graduating from High School, he began his journey to the beautiful Pacific Northwest. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from Stanford University, then his medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine. Family Medicine residency training was also completed in the U of W system, based in Spokane, Washington. He brings over four decades of post-residency clinical and academic experience to our practice. Following almost fifteen years of private practice in Vancouver, Washington David became the founding director of a U of W Family Medicine residency sponsored by PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center where he spent thirty years running the program, training and mentoring residents along with other clinical learners. Dr. Ruiz has held Family Medicine clinical professorships at three major university medical schools. Following a brief attempt at retirement, he accepted the offer to return to his medical roots and greatest joy, directly caring for patients. He hopes to continue making a difference in the lives of others, building trusting therapeutic relationships, and partnering in the process of healing. Core to his philosophy is creating space for patients to feel seen and heard, to acknowledge their opinions, respect their beliefs, and preserve their dignity, while providing treatment in the holistic Family Medicine tradition. With every patient visit he asks himself the quintessential question which makes delivery of medical care deeply personal, “Would this be good enough for my Mom?”

Dr. Ruiz cherishes his time away from Medicine, spending it with Midge, his wife of fifty years. He also embraces being present for family, perpetually refining the roles of husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. A former professional musician, trumpet and flugelhorn player, he continues to enjoy participating with friends in a small group jazz ensemble. It feeds the soul.