Mariana Ruiz, APRN

Mariana Ruiz, APRN, is a family nurse practitioner providing adult primary care at White-Wilson Adult Medicine in Fort Walton Beach. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida.

APRN Ruiz chose to become a nurse practitioner to expand her ability to care for patients beyond the bedside. Her nursing experience taught her the importance of compassion, patient advocacy and teamwork while inspiring her to take a broader role in diagnosing conditions, developing treatment plans and providing patient education. She chose family medicine because it allows her to build long-term relationships with patients and care for individuals throughout different stages of life.

APRN Ruiz brings a diverse clinical background to her role, including experience in intensive care and surgical nursing. Among her proudest professional accomplishments is advancing from a patient care technician to a registered nurse in both ICU and operating room settings and ultimately becoming a board-certified family nurse practitioner.

Her approach to care combines her clinical experience, bilingual communication skills and a compassionate, patient-centered philosophy. APRN Ruiz strives to provide care with clinical judgment, adaptability, cultural sensitivity and a genuine commitment to patient safety and quality. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she values connecting with patients and helping them feel heard, respected and involved in their care.

Outside of work, APRN Ruiz enjoys running, exercising and maintaining an active lifestyle. She has a particular interest in long-distance running and also enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new places and going to the beach. She credits her family with instilling the values of integrity, respect, compassion, responsibility and hard work that continue to guide her personal life and her approach to caring for others.