About
R. D. earned his undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering at Stanford University before working briefly in health care management consulting. He then attended medical school at the University of California, San Diego and completed his Family Medicine residency at the Ventura County Medical Center through UCLA. He has held board certification in Family Medicine for over 30 years.
Dr. Vargas built deep rural medicine experience at a previous practice in Quincy, California, where he handled emergency medicine, surgical obstetrics, nursing home and hospice care, and tribal health clinic support. He has also volunteered as a physician in Kenya, India, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Ecuador, and interned at Native American Health Centers in Alaska and Arizona. Since relocating to Healdsburg in 1998, he has served on the local hospital board and as Chief of the Medical Staff. He founded a local Hospitalist Medicine Service and lectures on aging and wellness at Sonoma State University. His current clinical interests include preventive medicine, telemedicine, climate change and health, and artificial intelligence applications in medicine. He and his wife have four adult children and share a love of hiking, backpacking, skiing, and travel.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Stanford University, Industrial Engineering
Medical School
University of California, San Diego
Residency
Family Medicine, Ventura County Medical Center (UCLA)
Additional Training
Health care management consulting prior to medical school; interned at Native American Health Centers in Alaska and Arizona
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Vargas right for?
Dr. Vargas is a strong fit for adults seeking a seasoned family physician who manages both acute illness and long-term chronic conditions. Patients with complex medical histories benefit from his broad clinical background in rural, emergency, and global medicine. He works well with patients who want a doctor focused on early detection and disease prevention. Those interested in a physician engaged with telemedicine and emerging health topics will find his approach current and practical.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Vargas treats a broad range of conditions including acute illness, chronic disease, and age-related health concerns. He also focuses on preventive care and wellness. His background includes emergency medicine, surgical obstetrics, and care for complex patients in rural and international settings.
Yes. Dr. Vargas holds board certification in Family Medicine and has maintained that certification for over 30 years.
Dr. Vargas attended medical school at the University of California, San Diego. He completed his Family Medicine residency at the Ventura County Medical Center through UCLA. Before medical school, he studied Industrial Engineering at Stanford University.
Dr. Vargas has practiced in Healdsburg for over 25 years, relocating there with his family in 1998. Before that, he ran a full-spectrum rural family medicine practice in Quincy, California.
Yes. Dr. Vargas served on the local hospital board and as Chief of the Medical Staff. He also founded a local Hospitalist Medicine Service and has served on several non-profit boards.
Dr. Vargas has volunteered as a physician in Kenya, India, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, and Ecuador. He also interned at Native American Health Centers in Alaska and Arizona. A portion of his practice serves less fortunate members of the local community.
Dr. Vargas is particularly focused on preventive medicine and telemedicine. He also has active interests in climate change and health, and in artificial intelligence applications in medicine.
Yes. Dr. Vargas offers home visits when appropriate and remains available by telephone after hours for emergencies or urgent consultations.
Doctor profile last updated June 11, 2026