COM Outlook - Winter 2016

40 Nova Southeastern University “After careful consideration, Camilo and I basically said: ‘This is our dream; let’s do it.’ One reason I went to medical school was because I didn’t want a boss,” she added. “I know that sounds terrible, but it’s the truth. I am very particular and like things done a certain way. I understand aesthetics and marketing and know what people like and want. I knew we could do it.” Ruiz, who completed a sleep disorders fellowship and opened an accredited, full-service sleep lab as part of Choice Physicians, said his decision to open a private practice was rooted in several factors. “It’s obvious that medicine is un- dergoing changes that many of us find hard to understand— much less predict,” he said. “I found that being an employed physician did not provide or allow for my personal growth as a physician. Hence, entering private practice was a natural decision for me and has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life.” Since opening its doors in June 2013, the practice has be- come quite successful because of its dedicated D.O. duo and its unique approach to medical and patient care. “From the beginning, I knew we had to stand out,” said Sizemore-Ruiz, who completed a cardiology fellowship to add to her cura- tive skillset. “We had to be different, which is why we offer evening and weekend appointments. We also offer a special concierge service to patients, which includes 24/7 access and same-day appointments.” Recently, a cardiac-specific component was added to the practice with the establishment of Cardiac Care, which offers in-house echocardiograms and exercise and nuclear stress tests, as well as all forms of ultrasound. “I try to do every- thing I can in my office to cut down on referrals and increase patient satisfaction,” Sizemore-Ruiz said. So what are the keys to defining what makes this personal and professional partnership fulfilling on so many levels? For Ruiz, it’s a combination of causes. “My enjoyment stems from the rewarding relationships I have formed with my office patients over the last three years, and the chance I’ve had to see them either become healthier or sleep better,” said Ruiz, who is a frequent commentator on nationally syndi- cated television shows on Univision and CNN. “Moreover, working with my wife allows us to spend extra time together. Although some might find this unusual, we both find it to be pleasant, as it helps us cope with the day-to-day stresses of work—and there is always someone to vent to.” Because she has mostly mastered the art of balancing her multifaceted life and derives immense joy from her various pursuits, Sizemore-Ruiz has become an extremely self- actualized person at the age of 30. “I enjoy every single day of my life,” admitted Sizemore-Ruiz, who gave birth to the couple’s son, Harrison Jason Ruiz, on July 7, 2014. “If you enjoy what you do, then it is not technically work, right?” Interestingly, one of her favorite professional activities in- volves giving back to her osteopathic alma mater as a clinical assistant professor of internal medicine in the college’s second- year Cardiovascular System course. “I am, by no means, your typical professor,” she acknowledged. “I encourage my students to interact with me during the lecture and ask questions. I walk up and down the stairs, and I am known to carry a pocket full of candy for students who participate. I find the students to be eager, yet still humble, and I enjoy their energy.” Achieving so much at a relatively young age has been a long and arduous process for this D.O. dream team, but the fruits of their labors serve as an example that no goal is unattainable Dynamic D.O.s (cont.)