Ruth Dominguez Enriquez, PA-C

Physician assistant treats patients like family

“Communication is so important. There should never be a language barrier in medical care.”

Ruth Dominguez Enriquez vividly remembers the confusion in her mother’s eyes as the pediatrician tried to consult with her. As a native Spanish-speaker, her mother struggled due to the language barrier. That was the moment that young Ruth decided on a career in healthcare. As a dual-language speaker, she knew she could help.

“Medicine is complicated enough,” said Ruth. “Speaking the same language is necessary so that patients fully understand their health needs. It also is comforting to hear the explanation in your native language. It’s much easier to ask questions and patients are more likely to follow guidance.”

She considered various careers in medicine, and ultimately selected the Physician Assistant. Before she even started her graduate studies, she found Vanguard Medical Group. “I worked as a medical scribe, and I loved this practice so much that I knew I would find my way back here if I could.”

Ruth initially began her PA career in urgent care, waiting for an opening at Vanguard. Now that she’s here, she enjoys the depth and breadth that primary care brings. “With urgent care, you get a snapshot of one moment in time, but with primary care, you get the complete picture,” she explained. “It’s a continuous relationship with the patient that includes preventive care and wellness, but also understanding the various stresses and challenges in a patient’s life that could affect their health. Getting to know them helps me with the best way to give them the care that they need and deserve.”

“I think that patients really appreciate my kindness,” said Ruth, “and that I’m a great listener. I try to provide them comfort when they need it the most, and speaking their language is just the start. I treat my patients that way that I would want my loved ones to be treated.”

When she’s not working, Ruth enjoys indoor cycling, cooking, and baking.