Derick Jose Velázques-Lucena, MD

I have a special interest in practicing managed care with seniors through education in preventive medical care and helping them understand that they don’t have to wait to be sick to seek care. I‘m keeping patients healthy by shifting focus from treating the illness to preventing it. I want my patients to leave their appointment with a smile on their face. Whenever a patient tells me something as simple as, “Thank you for your attention to my needs,” it reminds me why I’m passionate about practicing medicine. 

I’ve always wanted to practice medicine, both for the knowledge I would gain and the opportunity to make a difference. My grandfather was my inspiration. He taught me the value of hard work and never giving up on my dreams. During his cancer treatment at the Mayaguez Medical Center Hospital, where I received most of my medical education, when the internal medicine residents would come to see him, he would tell me, “One day, you will be one of them.” 

When I’m not working, I spend time with my family and friends. I also like training at the gym, listening to urban music like reggaeton, trap and hip-hop, staying updated on pop culture and awards shows, and learning the different aspects of filmmaking like directing techniques, acting and analyzing movie content.