Polk State alumna graduates from medical school, heads to emergency medicine residency as new doctor

Dr. Jennifer Ruiz never imagined that her journey from dual-enrollment classes at Polk State College to earning her medical degree would include studying medicine on a Caribbean island. But the College alumna, who graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada earlier this year, says her time at Polk State laid a strong – and affordable – foundation for success.

Ruiz, who completed her Associate in Arts degree at Polk State in 2016, credits the College for the quality of its education and expertise of its faculty, emphasizing that Polk State does not sacrifice excellence by being the local, affordable option.

“Polk State was…, obviously, a smart financial decision. But I also had such great professors who helped me build a strong foundation,” she said. “I actually don’t have the heart to throw away my notes from Dr. Rizzo’s class. I still used them in med school. I still refer back to what he taught us and connect it to the new stuff I’ve learned along the way.”

Dr. Anthony Rizzo, Professor of Anatomy and Physiology, plans to add Ruiz to his “Wall of Fame,” which highlights students who have gone on to earn higher degrees and successful careers, inspiring students to dream big and reminding them that Polk State is a quality choice for higher education.

Ruiz chose Polk State to begin her higher education journey for several reasons, including the opportunity to complete coursework in high school through dual enrollment, as well as the ability to use her Florida Prepaid plan to pay for college.

While balancing pre-med coursework, she was deeply involved in campus life, spending much of her time in the fine arts as a member of the band. She recently returned to campus after 10 years to not only a newly renovated Fine Arts Building, but also a nearly completed rehabbed Science Building on the Winter Haven Campus, where she was a student in Rizzo’s Anatomy and Physiology I class.

“I had the greatest time in his class, between his stories and the way he teaches,” she recalled. “I still tell stories that he shared with us in class. I enjoyed his jokes, and I still have videos of him singing.”

Rizzo recently published a series of his stories, many of which he incorporates into his lessons to provide students with real-world scenarios and perspectives.

Ruiz was inspired to pursue a career in medicine in honor of her grandmother, who was in and out of the hospital for much of Ruiz’s childhood. She shared that a conversation with one of her grandma’s nurses, who encouraged her to “be the change that you want to see,” set her on her path.

She completed her first two years of medical school on the island of Grenada, where she traded vacations for 10-hour study days.

Now, she’s off to Fort Pierce for a three-year residency in emergency medicine. She ultimately aspires to pursue a fellowship in pediatric emergency medicine.

Just before graduation, Ruiz reconnected with Rizzo through a former classmate to invite him to her graduation party.

“It was short notice, but he still came, and I was so thrilled. That’s just the type of person he is,” she shared. “I thank him for inspiring so many people and for being the great professor that he is.”

Ruiz’s journey – from her foundational courses to the emergency room – serves as a powerful testimony that the path to becoming a doctor can start at Polk State College, with dedicated faculty, affordable tuition and the determination to make a difference.