Ricardo G. Cigarroa, M.D.
Interventional Cardiologist
At The Cigarroa Heart Clinic, you’re in safe hands. All our practitioners and staff are trained to the highest level and dedicated to providing world-class care. Read on to get to know the team.
Interventional Cardiologist
Dr. Cigarroa II returned to his hometown of Laredo to offer the community his specialty of interventional cardiology. Having received his undergraduate degree in biology from Harvard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a Doctorate in Medicine from the UT Health San Antonio, Dr. Cigarroa II then completed his residency in internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Soon after, Dr. Cigarroa II was accepted into Mass General’s Cardiovascular Medicine Fellowship Program, of which upon completion, he continued his training in their Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program, and subsequently, their Structural Interventions Advanced Fellowship Program.
Upon completing his training, Dr. Cigarroa II and his wife, Dr. Claire Cigarroa, made the decision to return to Laredo to practice medicine and raise their family. They are the proud parents of 3 young children.
Pediatric Cardiologist
Dr. Claire Cigarroa relocated to Laredo to provide much needed services in pediatric cardiology. She opened her clinic under the Cigarroa Clinic, alongside her husband, father-in-law, and other members of the Cigarroa family who all practice medicine.
Dr. Cigarroa received her medical degree in 2012 from the UT Health San Antonio, then completed a residency in pediatrics. Prior to relocating to Laredo in 2019, Dr. Cigarroa further trained in Boston, MA, receiving advanced training in the areas of pediatric cardiology, internal medicine/pediatrics, and general pediatrics.
A highly skilled and trained pediatric cardiologist, Dr. Cigarroa provides comprehensive care to newborns, infants, children, and adolescents with cardiovascular problems. Her specialized training allows her to evaluate the structural and functional assessment of the heart and blood vessels, in order to diagnose cardiovascular disease or any other condition of the heart. Some of these include congenital heart disease or abnormal hearts, arrhythmias, heart murmurs, Marfan Syndrome, holes in the heart and viral infections that affect blood flow. In that regard, in February of 2021, Dr. Cigarroa opened a Children’s Covid-19 clinic, seeing children who suffer serious symptoms weeks after a bout with the virus.
Dr. Cigarroa and her husband, Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa II, interventional cardiologist, are the proud parents of 3 young children.
Internal Medicine
Fredo Rodriguez Sosa, M.D., Board Certified in Internal Medicine, has proudly returned to his hometown of Laredo. A proud graduate of St. Augustine High School and Texas A&M International University, where he graduated with honors. Dr. Rodriguez Sosa earned his medical degree at the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara School of Medicine International Program, then completed his residency in Internal Medicine from the University of Incarnate Word, Texas Institute for Graduate Medical Education and Research at Laredo Medical Center.
Dr. Rodriguez Sosa brings his expertise in the field of Internal Medicine to the Laredo Community.
As Dr. Rodriguez Sosa begins this new chapter in his medical career, his presence will undoubtedly be a source of reassurance and comfort for the people of Laredo. His commitment to providing top-notch healthcare to his community is a testament to the transformative power of individuals who choose to return home and make a difference.
Family Medicine
Dr. Leonides Cigarroa, MD, has been a cornerstone of family medicine in Laredo, TX, offering over three decades of comprehensive healthcare. A 1991 graduate from Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Dr. Cigarroa enriched his deep academic foundation with a residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch at John Sealy Hospital.
With a practice anchored in community health and wellness, Dr. Cigarroa is known for his dedication to providing personalized and compassionate care. His extensive experience spans preventive care, chronic disease management, and acute medical conditions, making him a trusted healthcare provider in the Laredo community.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Felipe Vaquera is a seasoned Advanced Practice Nurse at Cigarroa Clinic, renowned for his comprehensive approach to patient care since joining our team in 2010. With a solid educational foundation from Texas A&M International University, where he earned both his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master’s in Nursing, Felipe has consistently demonstrated excellence in clinical practice.
Specializing in the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, and heart disease, Felipe not only performs physical exams and health screenings but also excels in patient education and counseling. His approach is deeply rooted in empathy and attentiveness, making him a trusted figure among patients and colleagues alike.
Felipe’s commitment to healthcare extends beyond routine treatment; he is a passionate advocate for preventive care and patient empowerment. His ability to listen attentively and empathize with patients enables him to connect on a personal level, fostering relationships built on trust and respect. Felipe often says, “The greatest achievement obtained at the clinic is obtaining patients’ trust and respect,” reflecting his dedication to making every patient feel like family.
His professional journey is punctuated by a dedication to continuous learning and improvement, ensuring that his practices reflect the latest advancements in healthcare. As a valued member of the Cigarroa Clinic, Felipe Ramirez is not just a practitioner, but a pillar of the healthcare community, whose impact is felt in each life he touches.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Jamy is a dedicated and highly skilled healthcare professional with a wealth of experience and expertise in nursing, specifically as a Family Nurse Practitioner. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) from Texas A&M Corpus Christi, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Texas A&M International University, and an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS) from Laredo College.
Since 2004, Jamy has been an integral part of the Cigarroa Clinic, where her passion for nursing and commitment to patient care shines through in every aspect of her work.
Within the hospital setting, Jamy plays a pivotal role in patient care. She is responsible for establishing medical diagnoses and comprehensive plans of care for acute health problems and the exacerbation of acute/chronic health issues. Additionally, she orders and interprets a range of diagnostic studies, including cardiac imaging studies and EKGs. Her skills extend to overseeing exercise stress thallium testing, performing conscious sedation, cardioversion, and prescribing medications. She is also readily available to support cardiac catheterization personnel as needed.
In the clinic setting, Jamy establishes and develops comprehensive plans of care for short-term health problems, chronic stable health issues, and exacerbations of chronic health problems. She assists in ordering and interpreting diagnostic studies, cardiac imaging studies, and EKGs. Jamy provides follow-up care for patients with post-percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, stent placement, pacemaker/automated internal cardio-defibrillator placement, and coronary artery bypass grafting/valve replacement. Furthermore, Jamy manages wound care with appropriate dressings and is authorized to prescribe medications.
Moreover, Jamy serves as a vital link between hospital personnel/administration and referring healthcare providers. Her ability to navigate and communicate effectively in both settings ensures seamless collaboration and optimal patient care.
Jamy’s dedication to the field of nursing, coupled with her extensive education and hands-on experience, makes her an invaluable asset to the Cigarroa Clinic. Her commitment to providing holistic, patient-centered care is evident in her multifaceted role, encompassing both in-patient and out-patient care.
Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner
Rey Diaz, Jr., is a dedicated healthcare professional specializing as an Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP-BC). Rey, who seamlessly blends extensive education, clinical expertise, and a compassionate approach to redefine the standards of patient care, brings his expertise to the forefront, managing internal medicine and interventional cardiology patients.
Rey’s academic journey is marked by distinction. He earned his Master of Science in Nursing from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, TX. His commitment to excellence in nursing began with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas A&M International University. Prior to his nursing pursuits, Reynaldo distinguished himself academically at The University of Texas at Austin, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology.
Whether managing acute cardiac conditions or coordinating emergency care, Rey’s dedication to patient well-being and adherence to the highest standards of practice shine through. His expertise lies in the dynamic intersection of nursing and biology, where he skillfully applies his knowledge to address the acute healthcare needs of adult and older adult populations. His mastery as an AGACNP-BC is a testament to the advanced skills and in-depth understanding he brings to the realm of healthcare.
Beyond his educational and clinical achievements, Reynaldo embodies a compassionate and patient-centric approach to healthcare. He believes in fostering a collaborative environment where patients feel empowered and heard, ensuring a holistic and personalized care experience.
Rey Diaz, Jr. is not just a practitioner, but a healthcare advocate committed to advancing the well-being of his patients at the Cigarroa Clinic. His journey positions him as a beacon in the realm of Adult-Gerontology Acute Care. The Cigarroa Clinic is proud to include Rey Diaz, Jr. on our team of distinguished healthcare professionals.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Stephanie Sanchez, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C), brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Cigarroa Clinic.
A proud alumnus of the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Stephanie earned her Master of Science in Nursing in May 2021. Prior to her advanced studies, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Texas A&M International University and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Health from The University of Texas at Austin.
Before joining the esteemed team at the Cigarroa Clinic, Stephanie served as a dedicated Nurse Practitioner at Gateway Community Health Center. In this role, she provided essential medical care to an adult population, specializing in the treatment of chronic and acute illnesses. Her expertise encompassed a range of conditions, including Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hypo/hyperthyroidism, depression/anxiety, and comprehensive disease management in women’s health.
Stephanie’s commitment to excellence is evident in her extensive clinical experience. With over 600+ hours of hands-on practice, she has honed her skills in Family Practice, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics/Gynecology. During this time, she played a crucial role in precepting doctors and nurse practitioners in outpatient settings, contributing to the education and development of future healthcare professionals.
Stephanie’s approach to patient care is characterized by a thorough and holistic assessment, precise diagnosis, and the implementation of evidence-based treatments. Her dedication to regular follow-ups ensures that patients at the Cigarroa Clinic will receive ongoing support and optimal care throughout their healthcare journey.
As a practitioner with a diverse educational background and rich clinical experience, Stephanie Sanchez is poised to make a significant impact in the field of healthcare. Her passion for providing comprehensive, patient-centered care makes her a valuable asset to the Cigarroa Clinic and the broader healthcare community.
Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner
Leonel Gutiérrez, ACNPC-AG, CCRN-CMC, is a born and raised Laredoan. Leonel is excited he boomeranged home in anticipation of sharing his journey and knowledge with the community in his role as an Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AG ACNP). Leonel’s goal with the Cigarroa Clinic is to expand on in-house services to close the healthcare resource gap in the growing community.
Prior to joining Cigarroa Clinic, Leonel initiated his nursing career in 2015 at Methodist Specialty & Transplant Hospital in San Antonio, TX. During his time there, he was an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Registered Nurse (RN) for kidney and liver transplant patients. Following, he joined Laredo Medical Center as an ICU RN with leadership roles as a preceptor and charge nurse. During the COVID pandemic, Leonel served tours in Austin and San Antonio, TX. He then transitioned into a pre- and post-operative RN at Cigarroa Surgical Center, an outpatient catheterization laboratory. Leonel returned to travel nursing at Howard University Hospital in Washington, D.C., where he gained valuable Surgical ICU experience at a Level I trauma center. Upon his return from the East Coast, Leonel practiced as an ICU RN and ACNP at Doctors Hospital of Laredo.
Leonel is a distinguished alumnus of The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. He then dedicated himself to a new career path with an Associate Degree in Nursing from Laredo College. He persevered and holds a Bachelor and a Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas at Arlington.
In his free time, you can find Leonel enjoying family time over “carnesazos,” thinning his wallet with his nephews and niece, catching up with his entourage over brunch, making the latest HBO show his newest personality, reading at a coffee shop or on the next plane to anywhere.