Today we’d like to introduce you to Juan Orozco.
Hi Juan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Juan Carlos Orozco, originally from Colombia. I grew from a wonderful family in Barranquilla. Since I was a kid, I was inclined towards serving others. My dad who is a Doctor influenced me. When I was on a family trip in Colombia, one particular day, we were close to the horses.
A little cousin was walking by, one of the horses, maybe thinking it was another animal, kicked Him on His Chest and sent Him to the ground. He was unresponsive. My dad, in a matter of seconds, went to him and started to do CPR, then like 20 seconds later, he came back and started coughing. I was perplexed and could believe was I just saw. Since then, I realized my father was a Hero and that not all heroes are on TV.
I finished high school in Liceo de Cervantes in my City Barranquilla Colombia. I was an athlete with a specialty in long and triple jumps. I didn’t do it professionally cause my vocation was to go into Healthcare. I had the option to go to Universidad Javeriana in Bogota Colombia, however as the economic situation in Colombia was the best at that time, and in view of the possibility to travel to Spain In the future, my dad convinced me to stay in the City and then travel to do specialty out of Home Town.
I graduated from Universidad Libre de Barranquilla after 7 long years. My vocation was intact and full of knowledge. Now, I was in a dilemma about where to go. My option was to go to Spain,(as my Grandfather was originally Spaniard) or to come to the US to take the BOARDS and then apply for Specialty. In the US, I had to study English as a Second Language, in contrary in Spain it was easier. My dad, mother, and sister convinced me to come to the US, cause it was closer to them and easier to come and GO.
I finally decided to come to the US. I initially went to Tampa. I used to live with friends. In 2004, I started to study for my boards and finalized one year after. I participated in The matching program Program and after going for many interviews, I got my specialty in Bronx New York with the Albert Einstein School of Medicine. It was a challenge for me to pass the boards and then get into the system and start my journey as Primary Care Provider.
In New York ” The Big Apple”, I had the chance to work hand and hand with many physicians who sharped my Knowledge and taught me amazing experiences. In my last year of residency, I was named chief Resident of the program, which was a special position, as you have to show knowledge and leadership to your fellows, junior residents, and Medical Students.
After 3 years, I graduated from the program. The chairman of the program offered me to stay as an Attending Physician for a wellness Center, however, I needed the warm weather and the proximity to my natal Colombia and my Family. Since 2010, I joined a Primary Care Practice in the area of West Kendall, and see adults of all races and backgrounds. I love my career, as to me is not a regular job, is my passion and my life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, initially, the language was an impediment that most immigrants have to deal with. Second, I had to leave my family behind with many dreams in my head, but at the same time with sad not to have them and support me in every aspect of my life. Third, the Medical system is a very difficult field to get into as an In-migrant.
Fourth, I got married in the year 2004 and after 15 years of marriage, we got separated having 3 beautiful children, Isabella, Gabriella, and Nicolas. It is the most difficult experience in my life, however, it was the only way to continue our difficult mission to be their Parents. Adapting to another country, another culture, and language is the most difficult, but at the same time Re-guarding experience.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We are a group of 2 medical Doctors and one Nurse Practitioner with an office in West Kendall.
The office was started By Dr. Jorge Barcenas and I joined him. In the year 2010 after coming from New York. Since then we provide Primary Care services to people of all races, cultures, and backgrounds. I personally try to treat patients in an integral way, focusing on disease prevention.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
The most important credit is to my dad, mom, and sister who has been with me since I started this journey, emotionally and financially.
My children and my ex-wife, who was with me in this process in The US. Dr. Russell Perry, my Mentor in New York (died a couple of years back). Dr. Jorge Barcenas and His wife Maria Fundora de Barcenas for Giving me the opportunity to be part of this group.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://doctors.baptisthealth.net/provider/Juan+C+Orozco/869301
- Instagram: @neneo02
- Facebook: @Juan C. Orozco MD PA
- Phone: 3053833372
