Gladys (Sandy) Ramos, M.D., first learned about caring for others by watching her grandmother. Growing up in Lima, Peru, she saw her grandmother tend to relatives with warmth and compassion. In this program from UCTV’s Mi Camino series, Ramos shares how those early experiences, along with her family’s immigration to the United States, helped shape her path to medicine.

Her journey was guided by determination, education, and the encouragement of mentors who believed in her potential. From Pepperdine University to medical school at UC Irvine, Ramos discovered the importance of finding a supportive community and building confidence along the way.

Today, Ramos is a perinatologist at UC San Diego Health, specializing in high-risk pregnancies and diabetes care. As a bilingual physician, she draws on her cultural background to connect with patients, particularly Spanish-speaking women and immigrant families. She understands that effective healthcare means recognizing the challenges patients face, from family responsibilities to cultural beliefs about health and nutrition.

Her commitment extends beyond individual patients. Through UC San Diego’s Diabetes and Pregnancy Program, Ramos helps provide coordinated medical care and support for women managing diabetes during pregnancy. She also mentors aspiring physicians, sharing her experiences and encouraging students to pursue opportunities they may not have imagined possible.

For Ramos, medicine is about more than treating patients. It is about building trust, strengthening communities, and helping the next generation find its own path.

Watch: Becoming a Perinatologist: One Doctor’s Path on UCTV to hear Ramos share her journey and the importance of community in medicine.