FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — St. Agnes Medical Center welcomed several new doctors to its medical team. More healthcare providers mean more care for people in the Central Valley.

Action News spoke with one of the new doctors on the team.

Originally from the Philippines, Dr. Ronald Roque moved from San Jose to Fresno in 2022 to do his residency with St. Agnes Medical Center.

“It worked out for me,” said Dr. Roque. “My main number one choice would be in the Central Valley.”

It was halfway through his program that he wanted to call the Valley home.

“I already thought I had good mentors over here,” said Dr. Roque. “I already saw the patients and the patient population and was familiar with the area. I got used to the Central Valley lifestyle.”

Dr. Roque graduated from St. Agnes’ residency program in June. He is now one of several new doctors who not only finished their training at St. Agnes Medical Center but also chose to stay in the Central Valley.

“I really built the relationships I have here, and I enjoyed working with the patient population,” said Dr. Roque. “Just talking to them, I’ve seen the meaningful work that I’ve done and I want to continue that work. “

A 2024 survey from the California Health Care Foundation found that about 50% of people in the Central Valley said there are not enough primary care doctors in the region. That’s why Dr. Roque knew it was his mission to stay.

“When you look at the number of specialists here, the number of clinics, even the insurances here, you just know there’s much need for healthcare here,” said Dr. Roque.

Since graduating, Dr. Roque has been seeing patients at St. Agnes’ Care Center in Northwest Fresno, off Herndon and Milburn. He shared with Action News not only his passion for healthcare, but also why he chose a focus in family medicine.

“I want to do the whole thing,” said Dr. Roque, “I want to be able to see kids and follow them until they get older. I’m also a real softie for the older population. I kind of see them as my parents.”

“I’m just like the guy that happens to be a doctor and I just want to be able to help you as my patient.”

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