Dr. Richard Santiago is a primary care physician specializing in family medicine. He graduated with a degree in biology from the University of Puerto Rico before attending Autonoma University of Guadalajara in Mexico to earn his medical degree. While in medical school, he received the best student award two years in a row. He completed his training in general practice at Metropolitan Hospital in Yauco, Puerto Rico. As a provider, he tries to be a teacher and a leader. “I like to explain to my patient their conditions, the lab results, etc., in a way they can understand,” he said. “Sometimes I draw pictures of the heart system, GI system, urology systems, neuro system, in order to help them visualize the function of the organs.” He is quick to say that his primary goal is to provide good service with respect and empathy. “The area of medicine that I enjoy most is family medicine because not only can we treat one specific disease or condition as the specialist does, we see the patient as a whole being and have the opportunity to go the extra mile,” he said. Dr. Santiago was formerly the Medical Director of Highlands County for Revello Medical as well as the Medical Director for Santa Rita Hospice Care. In his free time, he enjoys playing the drums.