Dr. Ruben Coll started his medical career at the early age of 17. As a young boy, Ruben had a special calling and vocation to become a doctor. He loved the medical profession and enrolled at the Central University of Venezuela, in his home country. Ruben worked hard, dedicating all of his time to his studies and graduated as a Medical Doctor in 1994, when he was only 24years old. He worked as a General Physician in a rural community for one year, as required for doctors in Venezuela. He then completed a two-year residency in Surgery, followed by three years as a OBGYN Resident.
For several reasons, Dr. Coll made the decision in 2001, to move to the United States with his wife, and son. He had to leave behind the rest of his family, friends, and esteemed colleagues. They arrived to the USA, the land of opportunity, seeking freedom, new unlimited opportunities, and to secure a better future for his family, especially his son.
As with many recent arrivals to the US, Dr. Coll had to start from scratch in rebuilding his personal and professional life. He and his family faced very difficult times and he worked several jobs to make ends meet. He eagerly desired, however, to return to healthcare, his true passion. He resumed his studies at Florida International University and in 2008 earned his BSN. Shortly after, he became a Registered Nurse. Ruben is a shining example of a
life-long learner. Also in 2008, he embarked on a new career and joined Florida National University (FNU) as an Adjunct Faculty member delivering lectures and performing clinical rotations. He was promoted to FNU’s Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) for the LPN program in 2009.
With a true thirst for knowledge, Ruben continued his studies and pursued a Master of Science in Nursing also at FIU. He graduated in the summer of 2011. His wife of 14 years, Ileana, and his two sons, Ruben Jr., 11, and Diego 3, joined him in a joyous and jubilant graduation celebration! In early 2011, he became the Director of Nursing (DON) for the RN to BSN program at FNU. This past September, he was promoted and appointed as the Nursing Division Head for FNU’s new School of Nursing.
Dr. Coll shares his personal story, to inspire and empower his students to “always pursue their dreams, no matter how hard it will be to fulfill them.” Furthermore, he often tells students “to become the professional you want to be, because if you really want it and have the burning passion, nothing is impossible!” Throughout his journey, Dr. Coll remains a family man, husband, father, and passionate about serving as a Healthcare professional.
