Health Pro: For doctor, being physician 'all I’ve ever known'
Dr. Harry Diaz is a board certified family physician for Rockledge Regional Medical Center.
Q: Why did you go into this career?
A: My father was a doctor for 41 years and he practiced until his last day. I used to help him around the office. That guided me into medicine, it’s the main reason I’m a physician. It’s really all I’ve ever known.
Q: What services do you provide?
A: I provide primary care, the full scope of family medicine. My focus is on treating such chronic health conditions as diabetes, hypertension and elevated cholesterol. I also do some minor surgery. When you’re at home, sick, and you need to see a doctor, that’s me.
Q: What makes this area of medicine fulfilling for you?
A: I like to talk to people a lot, so I enjoy seeing patients — whether it’s grandparents, their kids or their grandkids. I like the family dynamic and working within the community, getting to know people.
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Q: When did you realize this was the right medical career path for you?
A: There really wasn’t one point where I made a decision to go into this path or that one. I was just trained up into medicine because my background. It was just part of my life.
Q: What’s the latest advancement in your field that will benefit patients?
A: Computer records are so important in my practice. Up-to-date computer technology means a lot to us. Access to information is so much easier than it was 25 years ago. Before, it might take me three months to get patient information. Now it’s just a few minutes.
Q: Best advice for current and potential patients?
A: When you come in to see the doctor, bring your medications. You and your doctor need to be clear about what you’re taking. If you need help understanding your meds, be sure to get that help. Pharmacies can be a big help here if you’re confused at all. Also, be sure to practice preventative medicine. That includes getting your flu shots.
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Get to Know Your Health Pro
Name: Harry Diaz, MD
Where you’re based: My office is at 1317 West Point Drive in Cocoa and I practice at Rockledge Regional Medical Center.
Education: My medical degree is from Universidad Central Del Caribe in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
Professional Background: My career in medicine began in 1987. I completed my residency in family medicine at San Pablo Hospital, also in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. In addition to Melbourne and Viera, I've practiced in Omaha, Nebraska. I’m board-certified in family medicine.
Contact: (321) 636-2621.
On the web: www.rockledgeregional.org