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Baxter Health is pleased to welcome Interventional and Structural Cardiologist Ernesto Ruiz-Rodriguez, MD, to the Baxter Health Cardiovascular Clinic. He joins the practice of Dr. Timothy Bowen, Dr. Michael Camp, Dr. Akihiro Kobayashi, Dr. Jamon Pruitt, Dr. Patrick Tobbia, Dr. Otis Warr, Certified Physician Assistant Torey Nedden, and Nurse Practitioners Denise Beeson, Leah Fountain, and Debra Wilhite.
Dr. Ruiz-Rodriguez specializes in minimally invasive heart and vascular procedures, meaning most of his work is done through a small catheter. His expertise includes repairing and replacing heart valves, opening blocked arteries, including those that are fully or severely blocked, and closing small holes in the heart. He also uses advanced devices to support patients with heart failure during high-risk procedures, helping stabilize the heart when it needs extra assistance.
Before pursuing medicine, Dr. Ruiz-Rodriguez served in the United States Army, completing Airborne School. He credits his military experience with shaping his disciplined, team-oriented, and high-stakes approach to patient care.
Dr. Ruiz-Rodriguez completed his internal medicine residency at the Cleveland Clinic, a cardiology fellowship at the University of Kentucky, interventional cardiology and peripheral endovascular interventions training at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, and an advanced structural heart disease fellowship at the University of Minnesota. He is triple board-certified in internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, and interventional cardiology.
Outside of caring for his patients, Dr. Ruiz-Rodriguez enjoys spending time with his fiancée, Erika, and sons, Kade and Kason. Together, they enjoy sports, music, hunting, fishing, and a wide range of outdoor activities.
“Dr. Ruiz-Rodriguez’s advanced training and procedural expertise will allow us to provide comprehensive, cutting-edge cardiovascular care close to home for our patients,” said Brian Barnett, VP of Physician Enterprise & Business Development. “We’re proud to welcome him to the Baxter Health Family.”
