Honoring Dr. Pedro Ruiz

Pedro Ruiz, MD

Dr. Pedro Ruiz (1936–2023) was a distinguished psychiatrist whose illustrious career was marked by significant contributions to psychiatry, medical education, and mental health advocacy. Born in Quemado de Güines, Cuba, he pursued his medical education at the University of Paris, France, graduating in 1964. He completed his psychiatric residency at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1968. 

Dr. Ruiz’s professional journey encompassed several key academic and leadership roles:

• Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York (1968–1981): Starting as an instructor, he advanced to professor of psychiatry. During this period, he held positions such as Director of the Lincoln Hospital Community Mental Health Center, Assistant Dean and Director of the Bronx Psychiatric Center. 
• Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (1981–1993): As a tenured Professor of Psychiatry, Dr. Ruiz also served as Chief of Psychiatry Service at the Harris County Hospital District/Ben Taub General Hospital. 
• University of Texas at Houston (1993–2010): He was a tenured Professor and Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Ruiz also held roles as Interim Chair of the department and Interim Executive Director of the Harris County Psychiatric Center. 
• University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (2010–2023): Serving as Professor and Executive Vice Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, he was also the Director of Clinical Programs. 

Throughout his career, Dr. Ruiz was actively involved in numerous professional organizations, holding prominent leadership positions:

• World Association on Dual Disorders (WADD): He served as the founding President from 2017 –

• World Psychiatric Association (WPA): Dr. Ruiz was President from 2011 to 2014, contributing significantly to global mental health initiatives. 
• American Psychiatric Association (APA): He served as President from 2006 to 2007, focusing on themes like “Addressing Patient Needs: Access, Parity, and Humane Care.” 

• American College of Psychiatrists: He held the presidency from 2000 to 2001.

• American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology: Dr. Ruiz was President from 2002 to 2003. 
• American College of Psychiatrists: He held the presidency from 2000 to 2001.

• American Association for Social Psychiatry: He served as President from 2000 to 2002. 

Dr. Ruiz’s scholarly contributions include over 600 publications, notably co-editing the “Kaplan & Sadock’s Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry.” His accomplishments earned him several accolades, such as the APA’s Simon Bolivar Award (1991), Administrative Psychiatry Award (1996), and George Tarjan Award (2002). In 2023 the World Association on Dual Disorders   established the Pedro Ruiz Award to honor his substantial contributions to the field of dual disorders. 

His dedication to public psychiatry, transcultural psychiatry, and addiction, along with his commitment to mentoring future leaders, has left an enduring impact on the field. Dr. Ruiz’s dedication to improving mental health care for Hispanic/LatinX and underserved communities and his leadership in psychiatry have left a lasting impact on the field.