Pedro Ruiz, M.D.

1991 Simon Bolivar Award Recipient

Lecture Title: The Hispanic American Substance Abuser: Problems and Perspectives

Dr. Ruiz, born in Cuba, earned his M.D. from the University of Paris in 1964. He completed his internship at the University of Miami Medical School in 1965, followed by a psychiatric residency from 1966 to 1968. Much of his career focused on public psychiatry and medical education, with a particular interest in transcultural psychiatry and addiction. His professional contributions extended nationally and internationally through organizational membership, editorial boards, and lectureships. An APA Distinguished Life Fellow, Dr. Ruiz received several honors, including the APA’s Simon Bolivar Award (1991), Administrative Psychiatry Award (1996), and George Tarjan Award (2002). He also served as APA Vice President (2003-05) and President (2006-07).