Valley Baptist Health System invites you to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with us. Lasting from mid-September through October, Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to explore the vibrant cultures, enduring traditions and impactful contributions of Hispanic Americans.

Every day, across our organization, teammates with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives collaborate to deliver high-quality care and services. Our collective knowledge and strong teamwork drive the challenging work we do.

During this month, we will share the stories of members of our Valley Baptist Health System family who play vital roles in our mission to provide compassionate, award-winning care to our communities. We continue our series with Greg Ruiz, BAT, RRT, Director of Respiratory Care, Neurodiagnostics, and Sleep Center at Valley Baptist-Brownsville.

Greg Ruiz, BAT, RRT, Director of Respiratory Care, Neurodiagnostics, and Sleep Center at Valley Baptist-Brownsville

How does this year’s National Hispanic Heritage Month theme – “Together, We Are More / Unidos, Somos Más” – resonate with you?

"Unidos, Somos Más" resonates with me because it highlights the resilience, pride, and collective power of our community. Growing up, I learned that we have a shared responsibility to look out for one another and lift each other up. For me, this theme is a powerful reminder that when we celebrate our distinct individual histories while standing united, we create a much bigger, more meaningful impact: “to provide quality, compassionate care for the community we serve.”

How has your heritage or personal experience influenced how you approach your work?

Coming from a Hispanic background, I understand how deeply culture, family, and communication impact a person's relationship with healthcare. This perspective shapes my day-to-day work by reminding me that patient care extends far beyond a clinical diagnosis. I approach my role in leadership with a strong emphasis on cultural humility and active listening, ensuring patients and their families feel truly seen, respected, and understood. This also applies towards my responsibilities to my staff. By bridging these cultural and communication gaps, I can build deeper trust, which ultimately leads to better health outcomes, better staff satisfaction, and more compassionate care experiences.