Dr. John M. Ruiz is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Arizona. Dr. Ruiz’s program of research focuses on psychosocial influences on health. His NIH-funded research examines relationships between individual level psychosocial factors, social behaviors, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk with an emphasis on biobehavioral mechanisms. In addition, Dr. Ruiz has recognized expertise in sociocultural aspects of racial/ethnic health disparities, particularly the epidemiological phenomenon referred to as the Hispanic Health Paradox. He is increasingly recognized for his efforts to advance health equity. Dr. Ruiz is on the editorial boards of several journals (Journal of Latina/o Psychology, Health Psychology, Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Journal of Behavioral Medicine), is an associate editor for 4 journals (PLOS One, Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, Journal of Research in Personality) including Senior Associate Editor of Annals of Behavioral Medicine, and has guest edited several special issues. He has active leadership roles in multiple professional societies including as Member at large for the Society for Health Psychology, Program Chair for the American Psychosomatic Society, and is a founding member and current President of the Behavioral Medicine Research Council (BMRC). Dr. Ruiz is also a leader in the push for health equity as Past Chair for APA’s Committee on Socioeconomic Status (CSES), appointment to the 2021 APA Presidential Task Force on Health Equity, and as a member of the inaugural APA Health Equity Committee. He is a permanent member of the NIH Behavioral Medicine Interventions and Outcomes (BMIO) study section, and he serves on the external advisory board for NIH’s Science of Behavior Change (SOBC) effort. At the University of Arizona he is the Director of the Health Psychology doctoral training program, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity in the Department of Psychology, is a member of the Sarver Heart Center, Center on Health Disparities, Center on Aging, and the Hispanic Center of Excellence and has multiple adjunct/affiliate appointments across campus.
