Celebrating 40 Years of Service: Honoring Dr. Ruben Comelli

Omni Family Health proudly celebrates a remarkable milestone: the 40th anniversary of Dr. Ruben Comelli’s dedicated service to the patients and communities of the Central Valley.

Dr. Comelli’s journey with Omni Family Health began in 1985, when he chose to start his medical career serving a rural community in need. Drawn to Buttonwillow by a desire to make a meaningful impact, he quickly discovered that caring for farm workers and underserved families was not just rewarding—it was exactly where he was meant to be. “When I first joined the clinic, I realized right away that caring for people in this setting aligned perfectly with my values,” said Dr. Comelli. “What made me stay all these years is the same thing that drew me in: the people. The relationships I’ve built with patients, families, my colleagues, and the staff have been a blessing.”

Over the past four decades, Dr. Comelli has witnessed—and been part of—tremendous transformation at Omni. He has seen the shift from handwritten charts to electronic health records, from isolated care to integrated, team-based services. “Healthcare has changed dramatically,” he said. “And I’ve evolved with it, moving from a solo-style practice to working alongside multidisciplinary teams focused on prevention and wellness.”

Dr. Comelli’s legacy is not just longevity—it’s impact. He has cared for generations of families, becoming a trusted figure in the lives of thousands of patients. “There’s no greater honor than being the doctor for grandparents, parents, and now their children and great-grandchildren,” he shared. “I’ve also had the privilege of teaching medical students, residents, PAs, and nurse practitioners for most of these 40 years.”

Omni Family Health’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joseph Hayes, summed up Dr. Comelli’s contribution beautifully: “Dr. Comelli has dedicated himself to the families in the Central Valley for 40 years now. He has truly cared for all the patients whose lives he has touched. He’s not only an excellent physician but a great human being. He is a role model for our younger providers, and I have the deepest appreciation for everything he has done for Omni Family Health and the communities we serve.”

Dr. Comelli’s influence extends to his own family. His daughter, Deanna Padilla, FNP-C and Associate Medical Director at Omni, shared, “My dad is my hero. Watching him serve with humility and dedication inspired me to follow in his footsteps. Working alongside him has been one of the greatest joys of my career.”

Francisco L. Castillon, Omni Family Health’s Chief Executive Officer, also shared his appreciation: “Dr. Comelli is part of the foundation of Omni Family Health. His service, compassion, and leadership have helped shape who we are today. We are honored to celebrate this incredible milestone with him.”

Born in Argentina and raised in East Los Angeles, Dr. Comelli completed medical school at USC and moved to Bakersfield in 1985. He and his wife Lydia have been married for 45 years and raised three children. Today, their lives are full with 11 grandchildren nearby. “My family has been my greatest blessing,” he said. “And serving this community has been the professional honor of my life.”