Chari S. Cruz MD, FACOG

What made you want to become a health care provider or what is your earliest memory of wanting to be one?

I grew up in a medical family, in particular women's health. I have aunties and cousins who were nurses or midwives. Seeing first hand how they served others and felt fulfillment in their calling, made me follow their footsteps in the medical field.

What do you love most about your specialty? / Why did you choose your specialty?

This is the specialty that brings joy and fulfillment in my heart. I take great pleasure in handing babies to their parents, seeing the excitement on their faces and sharing those special moments with them. Treating gynecological patients by removing a tumor, stopping the bleeding or relieving their pain makes me feel so privileged to be able to alleviate someone's discomfort

How do you connect with your patients?

I make it a point that my patients feel like they are being taken care of like they are part of my family. I listen to their medical concerns, and also try to know them as a whole.

What are your interests outside of the office (hobbies, activities)?

My family loves to travel to places we have not been to, try out new restaurants, go cruising, watch movies, visit family and friends. We have been lucky to belong to very supportive small group in the churches we have belonged to.

What is your advice for your patients?

Prevention is better than treatment. Come to your annual examinations yearly or prenatal appointments. Call right away if you do not feel right. Listen to your doctor because I always think for what is best for you.