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When he came to the United States on vacation in 1981, Dr. Jorge O. Diaz had no idea what the future would hold. Of course, he's come a long way since then, only eight years old.

Diaz grew up in Columbia, South America, and participated in a high school exchange program in Ohio, where he learned English and earned a high school diploma. He returned to Columbia, where he completed high school—again—and earned a second diploma. He was a typical student, showing an interest in science and playing soccer for his school.

Diaz went on to study at Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS) in Bucaramanga, Colombia, earning a distinguished student award and graduating cum laude with his medical degree in 1998.

While attending UIS, Diaz was actively involved in developing and organizing medical programs including First Symposium of Emergency Medicine in Northeast Colombia, Third Congress Medicas UIS in Basic and Clinical Sciences, First Symposium of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Medicas UIS and Fourth Congress Medicas UIS, Pioneers in Medicine. He was also active on the editorial board of the Journal of the Students of Medicine of the Universidad Industrial de Santander, Medicas UIS including a stint as editor-in-chief in 1995.

He returned to the United States to participate in the William J. Harrington medical training program for Latin Americans. Then he completed his internship and an internal medicine residency at the University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Veterans' Affairs Medical Center.

In 2002, Diaz began a fellowship in cardiovascular medicine and electrophysiology under the direction of Drs. Robert J. Myerburg and Augustine Castellanos, and is now board-certified in internal medicine and cardiology. Upon completing his fellowship last year, Diaz joined Central Florida Regional Hospital (CFRH) to expand the services offered at The Heart Institute.

Leading the electrophysiology (EP) lab, Diaz uses sophisticated technology including a three-dimensional electronic mapping system called EnSite®. "We're proud to have excellent outcomes by offering this new service to the Central Florida community," he said. "We're constantly researching to stay current on the latest procedures to provide patients with the safest and most sophisticated environment."

Diaz's work experience prior to CFRH includes stints as house officer at Hospital San Juan de Dios in San Vicente de Chucuri, Colombia; intensive care physician at Memorial Healthcare System in Hollywood and Pembroke Pines, Fla., and house physician at Kindred Hospitals South Florida in Hollywood, Fla.
The son of a veterinarian and the oldest of three boys, Diaz always liked learning about fun scientific findings. He decided to be a doctor but did not realize he would have a tremendous obstacle to overcome: during his third year of medical school, he discovered a strong aversion to bodily fluids. He began trying anything and everything to allay his nausea, wearing a mask, inserting alcohol-soaked cotton in his nostrils, and/or focusing on random objects or thoughts. Diaz nearly quit medical school, but through persistence, he overcame his problem.

Diaz is dedicated to his work. "You have to take your work seriously, but you also have to enjoy it," he said. Even though he may seem serious to most, Diaz is actually pretty easy-going, energetic and funny.

When asked about his goals in life, the young physician has a lengthy list. Personally, he is happy in his relationships and looks forward to raising a family. Professionally, Diaz hopes to grow his practice in Central Florida. "I don't want to just make patients better, I want to give them a better quality of life," he said.

New to Central Florida, he is enjoying getting to know the area. In his free time, he enjoys bicycling and hitting the gym.


May 2007

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