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Las Vegas school named in memory of Dr. Diaz

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Former Bakersfield children’s doctor, Ruben Diaz, had a Las Vegas elementary school dedicated to his memory on March 25.
Diaz, who was born and educated at Bakersfield schools, moved to Las Vegas in 1991, with his family moved and started his private practice, Children’s Lung Specialists. The same year, he became director of the Pediatric Pulmonary Services through the University Medical Center and director of the Cystic Fibrosis Center until his death on Dec. 2, 2004.
He was born in 1953, the son of Salvador B. Diaz and stepmother Julieta Diaz and attended Jefferson Elementary, Washington Jr. High and East Bakersfield High schools. He received a double degree in nursing and biology from California State University, Bakersfield. Diaz started his medical career as a registered nurse and continued his education to receive his medical degree from the University of California, Irvine and continued through his specialized fellowship in Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine in Los Angeles.
He was involved as a coach with the American Youth Soccer Organization in the mid 1980’s. He served the community as a physician at Clinica Sierra Vista in Lamont prior to moving to Las Vegas.
Diaz married his wife, Anne L. Diaz Ph. D., and they had three children Michael R. Diaz, Sarah E. Diaz and Paul B. Diaz.
Ruben Diaz was a board certified pediatric pulmonologist practicing in Las Vegas for 14 years. In addition to his private practice, he was involved in multiple clinical drug trials and research projects, which greatly benefited the lives of children with cystic fibrosis, asthma, and other respiratory problems. Diaz served as assistant professor at the University of Nevada School of Medicine. He was a national speaker of Asthma, Cystic Fibrosis, researched-based trials, and synergist trials. He also authored and co-authored many medical articles.
 Dr. Diaz was a member of numerous medical organizations and committees. In 1994, he was named the Physician of the Year at the Pediatric Outpatient Clinic, University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. In 2001, he received the Community Achievement Award from the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce for his service as Medical and Health Services Physician of the year.