Paul Ruggieri, MD

As Saint Anne’s Hospital marks its 120th anniversary, Paul Ruggieri, MD, the associate chief of surgery at the hospital, views the milestone with both pride and deep personal meaning. Having practiced at Saint Anne’s for nearly 27 years, the hospital’s history is closely intertwined with his own journey as a physician and as a member of the community.

Recognizing a Future of Growth

“This is a whole new era for Saint Anne’s – one that balances cherished identity with transformative growth.”

- Paul Ruggieri, MD, Associate Chief of Surgery, Saint Anne's Hospital

“I can’t believe it’s been 120 years,” said Dr. Ruggieri. For him, Saint Anne’s has always been a special place. He arrived in Fall River in 1999 after completing military training in the South, drawn back to New England when his father faced a cancer diagnosis. Through a personal connection, Saint Anne’s became not just his workplace but the anchor that brought him home.

Over the years, that connection only deepened. Ruggieri describes Saint Anne’s as a hospital with a true family feel—one where staff members build lifelong careers and patients receive highly personal, compassionate care. “To me, Saint Anne’s Hospital is like a family,” he said. “It really feels that way, and it always has.”

Reflecting on the hospital’s legacy, Ruggieri emphasized the dedication of generations of physicians, nurses, and staff who have passed through its doors, all united by a commitment to quality, personalized care. He is humbled to be one of many providers who have contributed to that tradition.

Looking ahead, he is especially optimistic about Saint Anne’s future. Throughout its history, the hospital has supported innovation by welcoming new surgeons and techniques, investing in advanced equipment, and encouraging growth within its surgical programs. Now that it is affiliated with Brown University Health, Ruggieri sees unprecedented opportunities ahead.

While Saint Anne’s will always remain a close-knit community hospital with strong Catholic roots, its ability to care for more complex patients and offer cutting-edge treatments is expanding rapidly. “This is a whole new era for Saint Anne’s – one that balances cherished identity with transformative growth,” said Ruggieri.

As the hospital celebrates 120 years of service, Ruggieri’s message is clear: Saint Anne’s past is something to be proud of, its present is something to appreciate, and its future holds extraordinary promise for providers, patients, and the southeastern Massachusetts community alike.