A bit more about Dr. Ruecker

Dr. Ruecker grew up in Encinitas where he learned to love learning. His wonder years were spent vigorously studying, playing 16-bit video games, running cross country, doing musical theater, and eating Rico's (now Pavlov's) burritos at Moonlight beach. He attended UC Davis where he studied neuroscience, primatology, and archaeology. He continued his quest for knowledge at Scripps Research Institute investigating the effects of smoking on atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia. Craving more engagement with people, he obtained his medical degree and numerous slices of pizza in New York. The following five years were focused on psychiatric residency and child fellowship completed at UCLA and Cedars Sinai Medical Center, respectively, while also finding the time to dabble in bass playing for a not-so-punk, punkrock band. For a few years after, he surfed quite poorly but practiced psychiatry quite well in Hawaii. He then went on to another educational five years as the the Lead Child Psychiatrist for Contra Costa County.  Dr. Ruecker then delved into specialized work on OCD and Anxiety with Rogers Behavioral Health. He has worked for various clinics, institutes, and hospitals along the way. He now finds himself back in his favorite sunny town where he strives to give back to the community he cherishes...and maybe have a few burritos at the beach.