Ronald Schwartz, MD was born and raised in Fall River, Massachusetts. From a young age, he was drawn to science in a practical way, fascinated by its ability to explain the world around him. His parents worked in the factories in Fall River and instilled in him the values of perseverance, hard work and determination and encouraged him to pursue a higher education. He graduated from B.M.C Durfee High School and became the first in his family to attend college, Brown University and was then accepted into the Boston University School of Medicine, an achievement that set the course for his future.

During medical school, financial difficulties arose, and wanting to marry the love of his life, Carol Krasnow, he chose to join the United States Navy, which provided funding for his medical education. He then pursued a residency in internal medicine at the U.S. Naval Hospital, St. Albans in Queens, New York, where his dedication and skill earned him the position of Chief Resident.

The Vietnam War caused him to be assigned to the U.S Naval Hospital Guam, Micronesia where he cared for wounded and ill U.S Armed Forces from Southeast Asia. The experience reinforced his belief that war accelerates medical knowledge – demanding quick adaption to high patient volume, refining prioritization skills, and honing management techniques. He was then transferred to the U.S Naval Hospital in Chelsea, MA and promoted to a Commander and also the Chief of Medicine.

Home was never far from his heart. An extended invitation from a local physician (Dr. David Greer who practiced at the Truesdale Clinic, became the Dean of Brown Medical School and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985) encouraged him to return to his roots and spend the majority of his career serving the Greater Fall River community. Dr. Schwartz knew he had to embrace this opportunity and brought his wealth of experience and knowledge back to where it all began.

Over the years, beyond his clinical practice as a primary care provider, he has also had the privilege of shaping future generations of providers as a clinical assistant professor at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Dr. Schwartz encourages medical students to shift their perspective – from initially eagerly seeking to find something wrong with a patient to, over time, hoping to not find anything wrong at all. He advises them not to let external pressures wear them down, reminding them that medicine, despite its challenges, remains one of the most rewarding professions. As physicians, they will become confidants, healers and navigators in their patients’ lives – roles that carry immense responsibility, deep fulfillment and play a pivotal role in society.

Looking back, Dr. Schwartz believes specializing in primary care granted him the privilege of making a real difference in the lives of his patients every day. Whether he is diagnosing an illness, providing preventive care, or simply offering a listening ear, he understands that this role extends far beyond treating medical conditions. Through his patients he has learned lessons in resilience, compassion and the power of human connection.  These experiences have shaped not only his approach to medicine but also his outlook on life.