Ramon Resa MD
Motivational Speaker, Author, Pediatrician, & Education Advocate

To book, call 310-937-2789
skype leonorm-r
or e-mail speakers@bestkeynotes.com

Growing up as a farm worker in a family of 15, Ramon Resa never imagined he could become a doctor. Abandoned by his single mother, who had 5 kids before she was 20, he grew up in an environment of severe poverty, neglect, and a total disregard for education. At the age of three, he was already picking cotton in the fields of Central California.

    Ramon’s elementary-school teachers would open his eyes to possibilities, planting the idea of education, and awakening in him the dream of going to college and becoming a physician.

    The road wasn’t easy. He had to overcome low self-esteem, a speech impediment, recurring depression, prejudice, discouragement, and even opposition from his grandparents who wanted him to get a factory job and pay them back for taking him in when no one else wanted him.

    Nonetheless, Ramon persisted and eventually fulfilled his dream of becoming a pediatrician. For the past 20 years, he has been in private practice in the same California farm region where he grew up and worked as a child.

“I see myself in many of my young patients who come from farm-worker families as I did, and my mission is to be a role model who cares for their minds and spirits as well as their bodies.” – Dr. Ramon Resa

    Ramon is in frequent demand as a public speaker as his personal story and professional insights resonate not only with parents and health care professionals, but with everyone who has faced the challenges of culture, career change, and trying to find work-life balance. He also inspires mentors, law enforcement officers, students, and educators, motivating them to contribute their energy and drive toward helping others. His presentations inspire, encourage, and educate everyone who has ever hoped for a better life, showing them how to achieve it and inspire others to do so, too.

    Ramon and his wife, Debbie, have two college-educated children. His son has just enrolled for medical school after graduating from Stanford.

Frequently Requested Programs by Dr. Ramon Resa.

Parents’, Children's Health Keynotes

• Self-Care for Caregivers of Children
  •  with Chronic Illnesses
  • With Emotional Disorders
• Fitness & Nutrition for Children
• Stress Free Kids: Making It Happen
• Helping Your Children Achieve The Impossible
• Stress Management Made Simple for Parents & Children
• Raising Healthy, Resilient, & Empowered Children
• Depressed, Angry Children: A Pediatrician's Insights

Health Care/ Professionals/ Workforce Keynotes

• Management Practices for Creating & Sustaining Your Career
• Diversity in Health Care
• Communication In Our Multicultural Society
• Managing Stress, Time, and Self For Healthy Living
• Thriving In The Multicultural Workplace
• Media & Cultural Issues in Sexual Behavior & Health Care
• EFN for Healthy Moms, Healthy Kids: Exercise, Fitness, & Nutrition
• Attaining a Healthy Life Balance: Health Care Professionals

Educational Keynotes

• Making  The Impossible Possible: The Power of Resilience, Optimism, & Persistence
• Making Education A Lifelong Goal
• The Importance of Education


Motivational Keynotes

• Empowering Yourself: Reaching Your Dreams In Spite of  the Odds
• Moving From Self-Pity to Resilience & Optimism
• Creating the Personal & Family Life You Want
• Give Yourself a Second Chance
• Building a Better Tomorrow
• Focus on the Broader Picture
• Creating Supportive Teams
• The Joys Of Mentoring & The Value of Ageless Inspiration
• The Courage to Change
• Life and Career Path Renewal: Recapturing Idealism & Big Picture Focus
• Finding Inner Strength to Succeed and Attain Your Dreams
• How Obstacles Become New And Unexpected Personal Journeys
• Personal Empowerment & Resilience In The Face Of Obstacles

Testimonials

"I had Ramon speak to our Stanford University Rotary Club members, and he was very concise, clear, and most importantly, emotionally moving. Everyone was in tears after his talk. His presentation was truly excellent. He was easily one of our club’s most motivational and inspirational speakers, not an easy accomplishment since our club is populated with Stanford, Berkeley, and Ivy League alumni from the professional and educational ranks." – Noe Pablo Lozano, Ph.D, Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Director. Engineering Diversity Programs, Stanford University

"Ramon Resa’s telling of his Story was one of the most inspirational experiences I have had in my life. After I heard him tell his story, including how much it meant for one person to say, “You are smart enough to go to college,” I decided I had no excuses for putting off mentoring. I’m just starting to mentor my second student, and when I meet with him, Ramon's experience comes to mind."-  Phillip Rose, City Manager, Los Altos, California

"Ramon’s story will light a flame in those who care about children, and in the children who are fortunate enough to hear him. He exemplifies a person who will successfully face adversity and try to attain the impossible. I would certainly recommend him as an inspirational speaker for adults as well as children."- Linda Waud, PsyD, Head Coordinator, Mentoring Program for New Generations.

"When we are faced with great challenges and extreme difficulties, one does not need to run away or to look so far away, but merely to tap the shoulder of a friend, a teacher or anyone with a heart willing to listen. As teachers we should try to be attuned to those silent cries and needs of our students. My students were amazed by Ramon, a man with the courage to share some very tragic experiences. They were even more amazed that with such perseverance one can be very successful in life." -– Amparo Q. Alvarez, Teacher of Foreign Languages, Watsonville High School (California).

Student Testimonials

Recently, Dr. Ramon Resa told the story of his journey “out of the fields” from farm worker boy to pediatrician to students at a California High School and students wrote about this experience (sic)…

“I liked everything you talked about. It’s really nice to know that a Mexican who didn’t have much to start with is now a doctor. I think you give HOPE to all the students that want to be someone in life by sharing your personal story. Thank you!" - Catalina M.

“I loved the way you made your presentation. I think it was really cool how you told us that you went from almost nothing to a great pediatrition. Before you started talking I thought that you came from a wealthy family. I would have never imagined that you worked in the fields. I love that fact that you are really into children. I would like to become a pediatrition to. But I’m not sure yet. Theres people that become doctors just because of the money. But not you and that’s great!”- A.T.

“Your presentation was great. You told us about some hard events in your life. Also some great events in your life. Your a great model for me because you never gave up on your goal. Now that you told us that you made it to your goal. I’m not giving up on mine. I’ve been through a hard life to and I understand you."– Sincearely, E.B.

“Most of the time you see successfull people you think that they were just made like that, you never imagine all the struggles they went through….All in all I found your presentation funny, interesting, and inspiring." - Thank you, K.S.

“Your story was really inspiring. It showed that anyone can go to college, all that person has to do is believe in himself/herself. Just like you did. Now I know that I can go to college.”- O.O.

“I really want to thank you for telling us your story. I didn’t really wanted to go to college. But after hearing your story I really want to go to college…because I want a good future for me and for my future kids. Thank you a lot, Dr. Resa!”-– Sicerely, S.M.

“It was nice of you to attend and share with us your successful career and your experiances in life. From your presentation I gaind more confidence in wanting to attend a university and persew my goal. Now I know that everything is possible."- M.L.

“I really enjoyed your presentation here last week at Watsonville High. It was really inspiring to me. It showed me that you can do anything you want to no matter if people tell you you can’t….I thank you for sharing your story with us all. It really inspired me to want to go to college and get far in life." - Sincerely, S.D.

“You really made me think that I should keep going to college and get a good job. I shouldn’t give up. I think your great because you help kids out. Your kids are very lucky that you could pay for what ever school they want to go to. My parents can’t afford it so it’s kind of hard for me…I’m looking forward to reading your book and watching the movie.” - Sincerely, Patty M.