Dr. Ruddy is a naturopathic doctor at Group Health Cooperative – South Central Wisconsin. “Outside my clinic hours, people can find me practicing and teaching hot yoga at Inner Fire Yoga, both East and West studios.” Learn about Dr. Ruddy…
Hometown: Medan, Indonesia
First job: At a college bookstore during my freshman year. I have always loved books, so it gave me immense joy to help new students locate all the volumes they needed to start their new academic semester.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in WI: Saturday mornings at the Dane County Farmers Market, attending shows at the Overture Center, dancing to live music at The Sylvee and sweating it out at Inner Fire Yoga.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: Surviving for many years living in the sweltering desert of Arizona, being away from my Wisconsin family, enrolled full-time in medical school, while also teaching hot yoga outside clinic rotations. It was a high-wire act, to say the least.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: The temptation to continue in a professional field (chemical engineering), which was never a calling, to expedite my immigration process. My incredibly astute lawyer wisely encouraged me to listen to and follow my heart instead.
Someone who inspires you and why: My late grandmother, who lived very modestly and had endured much hardship in her life yet never ceased to care for her family with steely resolve and devotion until her very last breath.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: I believe most people would do better being genuinely encouraged and supported rather than “advised.” That said, experience has taught me to do my research before committing to any long-term decision and to be surrounded by a good “think tank” (family, friends and peers who truly support you).
Favorite quote: “There is no path to peace. The path is peace.“ —Thich Nhat Hanh
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: My taste in music is rather old school and runs the gamut, from Janet Jackson to Tori Amos to The Killers to Gregory Alan Isakov.
What makes someone fabulous: A smart brain and a kind heart make for a timeless pairing.