Today we’d like to introduce you to Felix Filias.
Hi Felix, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My Story
I was born and raised on Tortuga Island, Haiti, a small community that taught me the value of resilience, compassion, and service from an early age. My passion for medicine began there, inspired by the deep need for accessible healthcare and the difference one dedicated provider can make.
I pursued my medical education in the Dominican Republic, where I developed a strong foundation in clinical medicine and patient-centered care. After completing my studies, I moved to the United States to continue my professional journey and completed my internal medicine training with the New York City Health + Hospitals system. My residency experience there, caring for diverse patient populations with complex medical needs—shaped my approach to comprehensive, evidence-based, and compassionate care.
Following training, I joined Cleveland Clinic Florida as a hospitalist, where I had the privilege of working in a world-class institution focused on excellence and innovation in patient care. My time there deepened my expertise in managing acutely ill patients and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.
Today, I serve as a primary care physician at Noel Medical and Rehab Center, where I combine my hospital experience with a strong commitment to continuity of care. My goal is to help patients take charge of their health, preventing disease when possible, managing chronic conditions effectively, and promoting overall well-being. I am also an Assistant Clinical Professor with Florida State University College of Medicine, where I mentor and teach future physicians, an opportunity that allows me to give back to the profession that has given me so much.
My journey, from a small island in Haiti to the halls of leading medical institutions, reminds me daily that medicine is not just a science, but a calling to serve others with empathy, integrity and purpose.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has not always been smooth, but every challenge has shaped who I am today, both as a person and as a physician.
Coming from Tortuga Island, Haiti, I started with very limited resources and opportunities. Pursuing a medical career required persistence, sacrifice, and faith. Studying medicine in the Dominican Republic brought its own challenges, adapting to a new culture, language, and educational system while staying focused on my long-term goals.
Transitioning to the United States added another layer of difficulty. The process of validating my medical education, completing residency training in a demanding health system like NYC Health + Hospitals, and adapting to new clinical standards tested my resilience. There were moments of uncertainty, long nights, and the constant pressure to prove myself in a competitive environment.
But through it all, I held onto my purpose, to provide care that truly makes a difference in people’s lives. Each obstacle taught me humility, perseverance, and empathy, which now guide the way I care for my patients every day.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
About My Work
As a physician, my work centers on helping people live healthier, longer, and more fulfilling lives. I practice both hospital medicine and primary care, which allows me to care for patients across the full spectrum of health, from acute illness to long-term disease prevention and wellness.
At Cleveland Clinic Florida, I worked as a hospitalist, managing patients with complex and often critical conditions. That experience strengthened my clinical judgment and my ability to coordinate care across multidisciplinary teams. Today, as a primary care physician at Noel Medical and Rehab Center, I focus on building lasting relationships with my patients, emphasizing preventive care, chronic disease management, and holistic well-being.
I specialize in internal medicine, and I’m passionate about bridging the gap between hospital care and outpatient follow-up, ensuring patients feel supported at every step of their health journey. I’m known for taking time to truly listen, explain conditions clearly, and involve patients in shared decision-making.
What I’m most proud of is the trust my patients place in me. Many of them come from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and being able to connect with them, often in their own language, has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
What sets me apart is the perspective I bring: a blend of international medical training, years of hospital experience, and a deep understanding of the human side of medicine. I approach every patient not just as a case, but as a story, one that deserves compassion, clarity, and care.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Advice on Mentorship & Networking
Finding the right mentor can be one of the most valuable steps in any career, especially in medicine. My journey has taught me that mentorship isn’t just about finding someone with more experience, it’s about finding people who genuinely believe in your potential and are willing to guide you with honesty and care.
My advice is to be intentional and authentic. Don’t approach networking as a transaction; instead, focus on building real relationships. Ask questions, show genuine curiosity, and be open to learning from anyone, sometimes the best guidance comes from unexpected places.
When I was transitioning through medical training in different countries and health systems, mentorship played a major role in helping me navigate those changes. I sought mentors who shared my values, commitment, humility, and compassion, and who challenged me to keep growing.
It’s also important to give back. As you gain experience, become that mentor for someone else. Sharing your knowledge and helping others succeed creates a cycle of growth and encouragement that benefits the entire community.
What has worked best for me is staying grounded, approachable, and always willing to learn. Medicine is a lifelong journey, and the connections you build along the way often become the most meaningful part of it.
Pricing:
- Preventive Care Services: Annual physicals and wellness exams usually fully covered by insurance.
Contact Info:
