Ricardo A. Fernandez, Ph.D.

Philanthropist
Class of 1987
Ricardo A. Fernandez, Ph.D. has more than 30 years of experience as a physical therapist, is an active  philanthropist and public speaker.

After graduating from Evergreen Park Community High School, Fernandez studied art at Moraine Valley. During his first semester, he discovered a passion for science and shifted his academic focus. While a student, he worked at the fitness center as a member services representative. He graduated in 1987 with an Associate of Science degree.

Fernandez earned his bachelor’s degree in physical therapy in 1989 from the University of Illinois Chicago. He returned to school in 1992 to earn a master’s degree in health science from the University of Indianapolis’ Krannert Graduate School of Physical Therapy. In 1998, he became a board certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy before earning his doctoral degree in physical therapy from Nova Southeastern University in 2007.

With a focus on strength and conditioning, orthopedics, shoulder rehabilitation, sports physical therapy and workplace health, Fernandez advanced in the health care industry and has worked in a variety of settings, including acute care, outpatient and private practice clinics, as well as in education.

Driven by a passion to teach future physical therapists, Fernandez became an adjunct instructor at Governors State University, Morton College, Northwestern University and Oakton College. He served on the Illinois Physical Therapy Licensing and Disciplinary Board as a member and chairperson. During his time on the board, he wrote licensure exam questions and orthopedic specialty exam questions for physical therapists seeking board certification.

Fernandez has delivered more than 200 presentations on physical therapy to community-based organizations and has lectured internationally. He also has traveled to Peru, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Honduras and Nicaragua to provide pro bono physical therapy. In 2013, the Illinois Physical Therapy
Association named him Physical Therapist of the Year and awarded him with their Humanitarian Award in 2021.

In addition to his professional work, Fernandez is a volunteerism advocate. He volunteered with the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project for Habitat for Humanity and served as a physical therapist with the Senior Games in Missoula as well as on the Blackfeet Reservation with the Blackfeet Volunteer Medical Corps. He also is dedicated to veteran advocacy, having served as a guardian on multiple honor flights — he has brought over 2,500 veterans to Washington, D.C. Fernandez has completed hundreds of volunteer hours with USO-Illinois and helped raise funds for other veteran-focused foundations.

He recently published a collection of poems written by his grandmother, Jeanne Flood, titled “America, Love Stories and Other Poems.” All proceeds support veterans, service members and their families. Flood, who also earned her associate degree from Moraine Valley, was an English as a Second Language teacher at the college when the Palos Hills campus opened in 1968.
Fernandez and his wife, Gina, live in Kalispell, Montana.