Cigarroa

May 2, 2025

Leading with Heart: A Nurse’s Journey from Patient Care to Executive Leadership

For National Nurses Week 2025

When Ladiz Ochoa was a little girl, she used to slip into her mother’s crisp, white nurse’s uniform and matching cap, pretending to care for imaginary patients. Her mother, a nurse in Mexico, became her earliest inspiration—and set her on a path that would one day lead from the patient bedside to the executive suite.

Today, Ms. Ladiz Ochoa, MSN, RN, serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Cigarroa Clinic, one of the busiest interventional cardiology and internal medicine practices in Laredo, serving thousands of patients and employing more than 75 healthcare professionals.

“I always knew I wanted to help people,” Ochoa said. “But watching my mother come home from work with pride in what she did—that’s what planted the seed.”

A graduate of Lyndon B. Johnson High School, Ochoa earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in May 2016 and her Master of Science in Nursing Administration in December 2021, both from Texas A&M International University.

Her path into healthcare leadership began in 2018, working alongside Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa in the Cath Lab environment. Then, in January 2020, she officially joined the Cigarroa Clinic full-time.

“When the Cigarroa family decided to venture into outpatient surgical services, I was honored to be part of the team that opened the Cigarroa Surgical Center,” she said. “Being involved from the ground up gave me a deep understanding of the clinic’s operations and the standard of care we aim to uphold.”

Her ascent within the clinic has been steady and well-earned. She’s held positions as Charge Nurse, Assistant Director of Nursing, Director of Nursing, and now serves as Chief Operating Officer.

“I loved bedside care,” Ochoa said, “but I realized I could make a bigger impact by supporting the team behind the scenes. Administration allows me to help shape systems, improve workflows, and advocate not just for patients, but for the people providing the care. It gave me the chance to do more—for more people.”

Her leadership has not gone unnoticed.

“She is the engine behind so much of what we do,” said Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa, Interventional Cardiologist and founder of the clinic. “Her leadership has brought structure, compassion, and consistency to our operations—without ever losing sight of what matters most: the patient. Furthermore, her administrative skills have increased access to our healthcare providers threefold—so much so that we even offer same-day appointments for those who require immediate access.”

That insight proved invaluable. Since then, Ochoa has played a leading role in helping the clinic navigate and pass numerous accreditation processes, including achieving and maintaining The Joint Commission accreditation—meeting the same high standards expected of hospital-based surgical centers.

Dr. Ricky Cigarroa II, also an Interventional Cardiologist and CEO of the Clinic, echoed the sentiment: “Ladiz has an incredible ability to understand both the clinical and administrative sides of medicine. That’s rare. She’s helped build a culture of trust, teamwork, and excellence here at the clinic.”

When asked what keeps her showing up each day with the same energy and passion, Ochoa doesn’t hesitate.

“The people, always,” she said. “Whether it’s the patients, the staff, or the community we serve, I get to work with an amazing team that shares the same goal—making care better. No two days are ever the same, and there’s always room to grow and improve.”

Now, as National Nurses Week shines a spotlight on the profession, Ochoa hopes to encourage the next generation of nurses—especially those looking to lead.

“You’re capable of more than you think,” she said. “If you feel pulled toward leadership, teaching, or something outside traditional nursing, explore it. This field needs bold voices, strong advocates, and people who aren’t afraid to grow. Don’t be afraid to step up.”

From a child playing dress-up to the COO of one of Laredo’s most advanced healthcare practices, Ladiz Ochoa’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, hard work, and the heart of a nurse.

To make an appointment with the Cigarroa Clinic, call (956) 725-1228. The clinic also accepts same-day appointments at 1710 E. Saunders, Tower B, Suite 500. Comprehensive services provided at the Cigarroa Clinic can be found at cigarroaclinic.com. Follow us on IG @Cigarroa Clinic.