VIPcare has some exciting news. We’ve added to our family of providers at our VIPcare Lake Underhill primary care clinic. Dr. Derick Velazquez has joined Dr. Israel Caro, and together they will be providing quality care to the Medicare Advantage population in Orlando.
Dr. Velazquez is a board-certified physician specializing in family medicine. He brings a wealth of experience in practicing medicine as well as pharmaceutical and laboratory research to VIPcare.
Who is Dr. Derick Velazquez?
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Dr. Velazquez grew up with a strong desire to make a difference in the society we live.
“It has always been my greatest desire to practice medicine,” he said. “I know that becoming a physician does not mean that I am now able to change the entire world, but it is an opportunity to change a portion of it.”
Dr. Velazquez attended the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez for his undergraduate studies in biology before receiving his medical degree from the University of Health Sciences Antigua. He later went on to earn a master’s in healthcare administration from Walden University.
One person who Dr. Velazquez attributes to being a huge inspiration in both his personal and professional life is his late grandfather.
“He could only finish up to sixth grade in school due to the difficult responsibilities he had as a child to help his family by that time,” Dr. Velazquez said. “Even still, my grandfather managed to progress and was able to give his family a better life. Ever since I can remember, he always taught me the value of hard work and never giving up on my hopes and dreams, no matter how bad my life’s situations looked like.”
It was during Dr. Velazquez’s clinical rotations that his grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer. His grandfather received treatment at Mayaguez Medical Center Hospital in Puerto Rico, the same hospital where Dr. Velazquez would ultimately train.
“It had always been both mine and my grandfather’s desire to be able to receive my medical
training at the Mayaguez Medical Center Hospital,” he said. “That place is, and always will remain to be very special for me, because I feel that a little piece of him remained within there.”
Making a Difference in Society Through Medicine
Medicine and caring for the senior population has been one small way Dr. Velazquez has been able to give back and strive for change. His goal as a physician is to help shift the focus in healthcare from treating the illness to preventing it.
“I believe we can achieve this through patient education in preventive medical care,” he said, “by helping them understand that they don’t have to wait to be sick to seek medical care, but rather seeking medical care in order to maintain a healthy and high quality of life.
It sounds like Dr. Velazquez has found a perfect home at VIPcare.
Providing 5 Star Primary Care Service
At VIPcare, we specialize in geriatric care for Medicare Advantage patients. And it’s always our top priority to provide you with great health care that leads to Better Health. We pride ourselves on providing you with providers who care and will always put your health first, such as Dr. Velazquez in Orlando. It’s because of our providers’ diverse specialties that we’re able to provide you with specialized care built around you and your needs.
Come Meet Dr. Derick Velazquez at VIPcare Lake Underhill
Visit Dr. Derick Velazquez at VIPcare Lake Underhill and see just how great he is. He is currently accepting new Medicare Advantage patients and can’t wait to meet and join you on your journey to Better Health. Schedule an appointment with him today by calling 407-604-7049. If you live outside Lake Underhill and the Orlando region, CLICK HERE to find a VIPcare provider near you.