Dr. Ryan Leonen learned the value of sacrifice and hard work from his parents. Having joined Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg in 2009, Dr. Leonen dedicated his career to his mother and father, who migrated to the United States from their native Philippines before he was born.
Pursuing a medical career was not something his parents emphasized, but academic excellence was always a priority in his family, along with trying new things, traveling together, and experiencing new cultures. Dr. Leonen chose a career focused on helping others with the intent of honoring his parents’ own sacrifices.
When his mother passed away last November, Dr. Leonen realized even deeper respect for the life his parents built for their family. Together with his wife, Belinda, Dr. Leonen is honoring this legacy by instilling a strong work ethic and a sense of adventure in his two children.
“Our plan is to go to the Philippines next year to show Aidan and Addison where my parents grew up, so they really understand where they came from. We look forward to introducing them to our extended family there,” Leonen said. Aidan is ten, and Addison is seven.
Dr. Leonen’s career at Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg (RAF) began after his body imaging fellowship at Stanford University Medical Center. Just before accepting an offer in California, he decided to apply with RAF. Even though Dr. Leonen had hoped to settle near his parents and sister, he was open to the possibility that this Fredericksburg-based practice might be a better fit for his career.
“I noticed right away that everyone was willing to help one another and just seemed happy,” Dr. Leonen said, noting that the positive environment was so impactful, it changed the entire course of his future. “Ten years later, I’ve found that the culture hasn’t changed. I think that’s why a lot of people are drawn to RAF: the atmosphere.”
The very low turnover rate is one of the considerations that ultimately convinced Dr. Leonen to choose Radiologic Associates of Fredericksburg. “Doctors are joining and aren’t leaving. It’s a testament to the value placed on work-life balance, maintaining professional relationships with colleagues, and ultimately providing the best care for our patients,” Leonen said.
One year later, Dr. Leonen received further confirmation that he had made the right call. “A friend of mine took that job that I had planned to take in California. He left after one year.”
Dr. Leonen is the Director of Ultrasound and also serves on the manpower and operations committees.
Dr. Leonen has held his leadership role in ultrasound for nearly four years. “I take great pride in the quality we provide to our community, and I look forward to what’s on the horizon,” Dr. Leonen said. When it comes to instilling values and work ethic in his children, Dr. Leonen shared, “The sacrifices Belinda and I make may be different from my parents’, but our goal is the same. We hope our children see that while good things don’t come easy, they are certainly worth doing. Making a profession of helping others, while also spending balanced time with my family, is something I never take for granted.”