Your Trusted Ear, Nose, and Throat Experts
At Richard Ruiz M.D., Inc., we prioritize patient care and comfort.
As an expert otolaryngologist, Dr. Richard A. Ruiz treats the full range of diseases and problems that develop in your ear, nose, and throat. He welcomes patients of all ages to his practice, Richard Ruiz M.D., Inc., in Temecula, California, where men and women can schedule timely appointments, enjoy short wait times, and feel welcomed by a staff focused on each individual’s health and well-being.
Dr. Ruiz received a Bachelor of Science in biological sciences from the University of California, Irvine (UCI), where he graduated with honors in research. Even at this early stage in his career, he established himself as a serious researcher, publishing multiple articles in peer-reviewed science and medical journals.
After graduating from UCI, Dr. Ruiz attended medical school at the prestigious Yale University Medical School in New Haven, Connecticut. In his first year, he was elected president of the student council, a position typically held by a fourth-year medical student.
During his time at Yale, Dr. Ruiz continued to publish his work in various medical journals and presented his findings at meetings at various institutions, including Harvard Medical School and the American College of Surgeons, and Yale Surgical Grand Rounds. He spent years doing basic and applied medical research, culminating in his thesis The Treatment of Melanoma with Immunotherapy.
Dr. Ruiz completed a general surgery internship and residency at Yale University Medical Center, then entered a three-year residency in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at the same facility. While he was a resident, he competed for and won the Temporal Bone Dissection Award, which is given to one resident each year.
In his last year at Yale, Dr. Ruiz served as a lecturer in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. During that time, he developed an expertise in the fields of endoscopic sinus surgery, nasal surgery, ear surgery, head and neck tumors, and reconstruction of cancer defects of the head and neck.
Dr. Ruiz is a member of the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
ENT Procedures and Summaries
Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy
Procedure: A fiberoptic endoscope is used to visualize areas of the head and neck not visible otherwise, evaluating function over time. The nose is decongested and anesthetized with nasal sprays, and no sedation is required, making it tolerable for cooperative patients as young as 5.
Septoplasty
Procedure: Surgery to correct a deformed nasal septum, improving breathing or enabling examination for conditions like polyps or tumors. It involves reshaping the septum, as no medication can straighten it.
Adenoids
Procedure: Adenoids are spongy tissue clusters behind the nose that protect against illness in children. They are examined using a small mirror or special scope, as they are not visible like tonsils.
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Procedure: A lighted endoscope is inserted through the nostrils to remove blockages in the sinuses, improving airflow and mucus drainage. It addresses sinusitis, deviated septum, polyps, or tumors without skin incisions, often allowing same-day discharge.
PE Tubes
Procedure: Tubes are inserted through a small incision in the eardrum (myringotomy) to remove fluid or treat recurrent ear infections. In children, it’s done under general anesthesia; adults may use local anesthesia. Tubes restore hearing and reduce infection risk.
Sleep Apnea and Snoring Surgery (Uvuloplasty/UP3)
Procedure: Surgery to remove or shorten the uvula and/or palate, sometimes including tonsils, to reduce snoring or sleep apnea. It may use a laser (LAUP) and targets tissue obstructing the airway.
Tonsillectomy
Procedure: Surgical removal of tonsils to address recurrent tonsillitis, breathing difficulties, eating problems, snoring, or sleep apnea caused by enlarged tonsils blocking the airway.