C OVER STORY
Meet Jarrell’s Newest Family Doctor
F R O M 1996 TO 2018, PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN R A M I R O A . P E Ñ A WA S A F F E C T I O N AT E LY K N O W N A S S A L A D O ’ S FA M I LY D O C TO R . HIS PRAC TICE GETS BET TER E V E R Y D AY B U T, F O R T U N AT E LY F O R U S , JARRELL IS HIS NEW H O M E TO W N .
D
r. Peña has been the primary care physician at Jarrell Medical Clinic since early 2019, but his friendly demeanor still echoes in Salado, and many patients still travel from Salado, Belton, and even Temple see him. Dr. Peña has always been known for his medical professionalism, but what truly sets him apart from “big box” healthcare providers is his personal attention and gentle empathy. He explains that the source of his inimitable bedside manner stems from his own life goals; “I started out in the ministry; my wife and I wanted to be missionaries”.
SERVING IN MANY WAYS Long before he became a beloved and respected family doctor, Dr. Peña was ordained as a Baptist minister and served as pastor for several churches, with the intent to be a medical missionary. To facilitate this career
10
F E B R UA R Y 2021 M Y JA R R ELL M O NT HLY
choice, he sought training in surgery. After graduating Baylor University and the UT medical branch in Galveston, he interned at Memorial Medical Center in Corpus Christi. His training included general and thoracic surgery at Baylor Scott & White, and he practiced there and at King’s Daughter in Temple. That training led to him providing essential service in Vietnam. “I was drafted into the Air Force as a trauma surgeon,” he recalls. “That changed the trajectory of my life. When I came back, I went into teaching and surgical practice at King’s Daughters”. He continued there, performing general and thoracic surgery until his retirement in 1996. Dr. Peña did not care much for retirement, so he created a solo primary care practice. His practice was later incorporated into the Littler River Healthcare group, which later declared bankruptcy, effectively closing Dr. Peña’s Salado practice in September 2018.
