The John (Jack) C. Rutledge MD Memorial Tejas Scholarship
Dr. John (Jack) Rutledge, MD was an outstanding cardiologist and physician scientist who dedicated 45 years of his life to a distinguished career in medicine. He was beloved by his colleagues for his genuineness, warmth, kindness, intellect, creativity, and selflessness in advancing the careers of others. Born in the small ranching town of Kenedy, Texas on September 21, 1949, Dr. Rutledge obtained his bachelor in Biology at the University of Texas at Austin in 1972 and his Medical Degree from Baylor College of Medicine in 1976. He did his internship in Internal Medicine at the University of Tennessee in Memphis (1977) and moved to California and completed an Internal Medicine Residency at Martinez in 1981 and cardiology fellowship at the University of California, Davis in 1983, subsequently joining the faculty in the Department as Assistant Professor in 1984. There he served in multiple leadership roles including as Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Internal Medicine and contributed greatly to elevating the standing of the University. His untimely death from cancer on January 23, 2021, resulted in posthumous Career Achievement Award for his innumerable contributions to academic health sciences.
Jack met his wife, Amparo Villablanca, MD, on the patient wards at UC Davis. Over their 36-year marriage they shared a wonderful and full life together, love for each other, their careers, and academia. More importantly, they carried on the philosophy of their parents that family means everything and that kindness to others is one of the most important qualities of a virtuous life. All who knew Dr. Rutledge greatly miss his gentle way, his generous spirit, genuineness and sincerity, and the example he gave to others of a personal and professional life well lived.
Jack wanted to give other young men like him who came from rural or less advantaged backgrounds in Texas the opportunities for success he had while attending UT Austin and as a member of the Tejas club. Friends, professional colleagues, and family will fund this account to award merit scholarships.