A doctor’s journey from Cuba to Monterey
Born and raised in Cuba, Dr. Angelfrey Armas Ruiz, one of Montage Medical Group’s newest family practice doctors, faced significant challenges throughout his life. Those challenges were no match for his innate desire to connect with and care for people — a desire that led him to medical school and later an anesthesiology residency.
But the country’s dire conditions meant even medical professionals earned as little as $20 per month. “Scarce resources made it difficult to provide adequate care,” Armas Ruiz says, “and the low income made it challenging to meet basic needs like food and housing.” He recalls a difficult life, absent of basic rights and pleasures. Personal freedoms like international travel were restricted, barring him and his family from seeking opportunities elsewhere.
I’m grateful to be able to care for Spanish-speaking patients in our community because I can connect with them on a deeper level and sympathize with them more meaningfully.
—Dr. Angelfrey Armas Ruiz, Montage Medical Group, family practice
An opportunity presented itself, however, when the Cuban government sent Armas Ruiz on a medical mission to Venezuela. During his shifts, he seized the chance to visit the U.S. embassy to apply for asylum through a program that welcomed Latin American doctors to the country as political refugees. But this decision was not without risk — getting caught by a Venezuelan embassy official would mean being sent back to Cuba and facing severe punishment.
Cuban citizens who left were also considered traitors and received an eight-year ban from returning to the country. His decision to seek asylum meant the aspiring doctor wouldn’t see his family for nearly a decade, but as Armas Ruiz recalls, “It was a sacrifice I had to make.”
When Armas Ruiz arrived in the United States, he didn’t speak English, had no possessions or money, and his Cuban medical credentials were invalid. If he wanted to be a doctor, he would have to complete new medical school exams and repeat his residency — a feat that could take more than five years.
His unquenchable desire to better the lives of others meant Armas Ruiz wouldn’t let these obstacles stop him from pursuing his dream. He worked entry-level jobs for two years while he saved enough money to begin studying for exams. After six years of studying and working as a medical assistant, he finally earned his U.S. medical degree.
Armas Ruiz then used his second residency as an opportunity to hone his focus on family medicine. “I value developing connections and relationships with people,” he says. “It’s why I became a doctor. Instead of resenting the fact that I had to complete residency again, I saw it as an opportunity to shift my focus from anesthesiology to family medicine.”
When Armas Ruiz completed his residency in 2022, he says his decision to come to Montage Health was an easy one. “When I first visited, I could tell it was a good environment. I enjoyed the people, the building — I didn’t want to leave. Everyone was happy, welcoming, and friendly. I wanted to be part of that community.”
Armas Ruiz started practicing family medicine at Montage Medical Group’s Ryan Ranch location in October of 2022 and says his Latin American heritage is valuable to the care he provides. “I’m grateful to be able to care for Spanish-speaking patients in our community,” Armas Ruiz says, “because I can connect with them on a deeper level and sympathize with them more meaningfully.”
After more than a decade of setbacks, Armas Ruiz reflects on how far he has come: “Now that I’m here, all my sacrifices are paying off. Practicing in this area, and being valued for what I do, is a priceless feeling. It was so hard, but I’d do it again.”
