I always knew neonatology would be my path. I joined Nemours because their family-centered care philosophy aligns with mine. Here, parents can stay with their baby in the neonatal unit and help with care. I include them in decisions and respect their insights and instincts. In many ways, they are the most important members of the care team.
Why I Treat Children
Nobody goes through pregnancy thinking that their baby will end up in a neonatal intensive care unit. But when it happens, I want to be the one to help make it better and easier for the family. The whole idea of watching a premature baby grow and go home fascinates me. I have a chance to make a difference that can affect a whole lifetime.
What I'm Passionate About
I became a certified lactation consultant so I could help and encourage mothers of premature or underweight infants who can’t suckle at first to persist with breastfeeding. Breast milk is the best protection we know of for these delicate babies. I am passionate about helping moms give them the best possible start.
Make A Difference
Part of my job is to guide parents through the process of having a baby in the neonatal unit and to help them cope. I always tell parents that we are a team. I want them to communicate any concerns about their baby. They are their baby’s best advocates. I believe the insights they have may be the most valuable.
What I Do For Fun
I have two little boys, so family time is high priority when I’m at home. I also enjoy reading, going to the beach and boating. Being from Puerto Rico, it’s natural to love the water.
Education & Training
Fellowship
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Med,
2012
Internship Residency
Pediatrics
- San Juan City Hospital Program,
2008
Medical/Dental School
MD
- Universidad Iberoamericana,
2005
Board Certifications
American Board of Pediatrics/Neonatal-Perinatal
American Board of Pediatrics/General Pediatrics
Insurance Accepted
Accountable Health Plans PPO
Aetna Better Health FL Medicaid and Healthy Kids
Aetna HMO/POS/PPO/EPO
AmeriHealth Caritas Florida (FKA Prestige Health Choice)
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield Florida Blue Select
Blue Cross and Blue Shield HMO
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Non HMO
Cigna & Great West HMO/POS Open Access
Cigna & Great West PPO/EPO
Community Care Plan Medicaid
Corporate Medical Network Global International PPO FL
Employers Health Network PPO
Evolutions Healthcare
First Health Aetna PPO/EPO
Florida Medicaid
Florida Medicare
HUMANA HEALTHY HORIZONS (FKA HUMANA MEDICAID)
Health First Health Plans
Humana HMO/POS
Humana PPO/EPO
Molina Healthcare Medicaid
Multiplan PPO
Olympus Managed Healthcare PPO ORL
Prime Health Services PPO Specialty Florida
Seminole Tribe of Florida
Simply Healthcare Healthy Kids
Simply Healthcare Medicaid HMO
Star Healthcare Network
Sunshine SMI/CMS 19 & 21
Sunshine State Health Plan Medicaid
Three Rivers Provider Network
Tricare/Humana Military Health Services
United Healthcare Commercial Products
United Healthcare Community Plan Medicaid HMO
Vivida Health Medicaid FL
Volusia Health Network PPO/EPO
Research Activities
Breastfeeding
Nutrition
Development of measurable improvements in the quality of neonatal intensive care
Medical Interests
Neonatology
English
Spanish
Choose a Region
Nemours has a number of service regions. Selecting your region will help us show you the right contact information and the most relevant content for you.