Charles Ruis, M.D., is the health director in the Southwest Health District, District 8-2. There he oversees 14 county health departments and two farmworker clinics. Prior to receiving his Bachelor of Science degree and his Doctor of Medicine degree from Medical College of Georgia, Dr. Ruis attended Georgia Southwestern and later the University of Georgia. He performed both his internship and his residency in family practice at the Medical Center of Central Georgia. He is board-certified in family medicine. Most recently, Dr. Ruis served as medical director for Georgia Correctional Healthcare, providing physician services at Georgia state prisons. Prior to that, he was medical director for Federally Qualified Community Health Centers in Ocilla and Unadilla. He also has substantial experience in emergency medicine, including working at Sumter Regional Hospital from 2003 until it closed from tornado damage in 2005. Dr. Ruis has served as the chair of the Crisp County Board of Health since 2007. He and his wife, Barbara, are active in the Cordele First United Methodist Church and enjoy music and a variety of outdoor activities.