Teamwork shapes a future surgeon

Many children grow up playing with pretend doctor kits, checking their parents with plastic stethoscopes and bandages. Ricardo Crespo Regalado was no different.

Living in Pink Hill, North Carolina, Crespo Regalado experienced life in a rural, underserved area. His parents worked in agricultural fields and often had limited access to medical care.

In middle school, Crespo Regalado took a keen interest in his parents’ health, acting as their interpreter during medical and dental visits.

“In the back of my head, I wanted to know more about what was happening,” Crespo Regalado said. “I was there trying my best to interpret, but I wanted to learn more.”

These life experiences motivated Crespo Regalado to dive into the sciences. He attended UNC-Chapel Hill as an undergraduate and started volunteering in the Student Health Action Coalition, a free health clinic reaching underserved populations.

“Being on the other end of the spectrum, providing care, really gave me a purpose,” Crespo Regalado said. “My goal in medicine has always been to make sure others have access to what my parents didn’t have.”

Now nearing the end of his fourth year at the UNC School of Medicine, Crespo Regalado has been involved with SHAC for seven years, recently finishing his tenure as co-CEO in December.

“SHAC has made me a lot of who I am today,” Crespo Regalado said. “It’s given me many of the skills, especially leadership, that I have right now.”

What’s going to work? Teamwork! 

When Crespo Regalado wasn’t fully immersed in the sciences, he could be found participating in his favorite combat sports. He’s head coach of the UNC Boxing Club.

Crespo Regalado sees teamwork in his surgical career, too. It’s why he intends to match into general surgery at UNC School of Medicine’s 2025 Match Day on March 21.

“Teamwork is literally built into surgery,” he said. “You’re the leader in the room, but you’re working with this big team who you wouldn’t be able to accomplish anything without.”

Dr. Paul Ossman, his Patient Centered Care course instructor, set him on the path to surgery. Ossman connected him with Dr. Lauren Raff, a trauma surgeon at UNC Hospitals.

“Ricardo’s exceptional work ethic and unwavering follow-through set him apart,” Raff said. “He is one of the hardest-working individuals I know — responsible, accountable and remarkably efficient in achieving his goals. His mental toughness, ability to multitask and relentless drive for results will make him an outstanding surgery resident.”

Ricardo Crespo Regalado’s family has shaped much of his work. (Submitted photo)

Humanism in medicine 

Crespo Regalado is recognized for his human connection in health care.

“Ricardo’s work ethic, love of learning and natural curiosity are contagious to all those around him,” Ossman said. “Beyond these traits, Ricardo brings a remarkable humanism to his practice of medicine. He continually exceeds expectations in his own work and his brightness naturally inspires his classmates, mentors and patients to be better human beings.”

With Match Day approaching, Crespo Regalado thanks his older brother, David; his parents and his girlfriend, Emily Bulik-Sullivan, an M.D.-Ph.D. student, for their support. His family, friends and faculty have all made the last eight years in Chapel Hill possible.

“It’s truly a blessing and a dream that I’m about to be a graduate with an M.D.,” Crespo Regalado said. “I owe this institution so much. UNC has made me into the type of surgeon that I hope to be one day.”

Crespo Regalado aims to be a leader not just in the hospital, but in his community. With his personal background and the experiences and knowledge he gained at the UNC School of Medicine, he’s positioned to continue giving back as much as he can.