While the exodus of doctors in Puerto Rico worries the medical class and patients, there are countless doctors who are committed to serving the Puerto Rican community. Dr. Tania González Santiago is one of the most recent cases of health professionals who have chosen to return to the island to care for the health of thousands of Puerto Rican families.
After eleven years practicing in the United States, the doctor, who is a dermatologist and dermatopathologist, joined the team of Laboratory of Pathology Noy, In San Juan. “I felt a debt, and instead of being intimidated by what I saw on the news, it inspired me to return to make a change,” said González Santiago, regarding the reports on the lack of medical specialists on the island.
His arrival reaffirms the commitment that the Dr. Noy Pathology Laboratory has with patients and doctors. The laboratory, which offers its services throughout the island, has pathologists specialized in gynecology, breast, urology and dermatology, among others. Likewise, they hope to continue the expansion of their specialties within pathology.
As a dermatologist, and from her private office in Caguas, González Santiago provides medical care to patients with skin conditions. She in turn, as part of her work in dermatopathology, she interprets skin biopsies.
Although he recognized the arduous path that awaits him on the island, González Santiago sees the challenges with optimism. “I come with all the energy and positivity to make a difference so that Puerto Ricans know that Puerto Rican doctors are committed to our people,” he said.
Likewise, the dermatopathologist recognized the need for more doctors to return to Puerto Rico, precisely, to provide a unique and warm touch to the community and families that guarantees a comfortable and pleasant experience for the patient.
From the UPR system to the world
Despite the challenges facing the medical establishment, González Santiago’s professional and academic career began in the country’s public university system. The health professional began her studies at the Mayagüez Campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Microbiology. Later, she continued her studies in Medicine at the UPR Medical Sciences Campus. In addition, at said institution, she completed her residency program in Internal Medicine.
“That ability that I acquired during my training at the University of Puerto Rico was what made me so successful in the United States,” she confessed.
Shortly following finishing her studies at the UPR, she was accepted to the Dermatology program at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in the state of Minnesota. A year later, she was accepted into the Dermatopathology program at that institution. Her preparation also led her to study Tropical Medicine at The Gorgas Institute in Peru.
After completing her academic training, González Santiago worked as a professor at the University of Florida. Although she intended to return to the island, Hurricane Maria interrupted her plans, so she continued her professional preparation in the state of North Dakota.
Throughout her career, the doctor has also participated in and led research on different dermatological conditions and treatments.
Now, the health professional is ready to continue exercising her vocation and serving her patients. “Every day I take with me a story that makes me appreciate life, makes me value what I have and what I can give to the community,” she said.
Looking to the future, González Santiago aspires to provide dermatology for everyone, whether they are low-income or not, and cover all specialties to diversify its service. In addition, he plans to serve as a liaison with other dermatologists for the biopsy process in order to guarantee a better quality of life for Puerto Rican families.
The Dr. Noy Pathology Laboratory is located in the Capital Center Building in Hato Rey and is open to the public Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. To contact them, you can call 787-751-1312, or visit the web portal labnoy.com.
