Physician Profile: Norberto Vazquez, M.D., Board Certified, Internal Medicine and Hospice/Palliative Care
Medical Director of The Pavilion at Jupiter Medical Center

Growing up in Rochester, New York as 1 of 13 children (number 11!) in a Puerto Rican family, Norberto Vazquez is no stranger to understanding and caring for people of all ages and personalities.  Combine that with his love of science and it quickly becomes apparent as to why he decided to become a physician. 

A graduate of the University of Rochester with a B.S. degree in Neuroscience, Dr. Vazquez earned his medical degree and completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Rochester, School of Medicine (1992).  After moving to Florida 15 years ago, he took a particular interest in seniors and the unique healthcare issues they have to face and manage as compared to other age populations.  "I find the elderly population to be so interesting and appreciative," he said.  "It is very rewarding to be able to help them with their special health needs."  

As a Board Certified Hospice physician, Dr. Vazquez also desires to help make the end-of-life stage for his patients and their families as comfortable and peaceful as possible. As a father of four, he never thought he would personally have to face these issues in his own life so soon when he lost his beloved 19-year old son a little over a year ago to an extremely rare form of cancer - Ewing Sarcoma.  Dr. Vazquez is pictured wearing a bracelet featuring the message "Sarcoma Knows No Borders" to support research and help increase awareness of the disease.

This tragic experience inspired Dr. Vazquez to develop a Foundation in honor of his son's memory and in his son's name - The Norberto Vazquez, Jr. Foundation. Having to endure the physical, emotional and financial challenges of caring for a terminally ill child made Dr. Vazquez want to help alleviate the financial stress on families in similar situations. While he is clear in defining that the purpose of the Foundation is not to contribute to cancer research, it is with the utmost conviction that he explains its mission is to help improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families.

"Funds from my son's Foundation recently helped us purchase a laptop computer for a 19-year old boy suffering from back sarcoma whose primary form of entertainment is on the computer," said Dr. Vazquez.  "It meant so much to everyone to be able to help him find enjoyment while he is bedbound in the hospital."  More information about this volunteer-only-run Foundation can be found at http://www.norbertovazquezjrfoundation.com. 

Dr. Vazquez's enormous heart, great integrity, years of experience, skills and education, as well as his commitment to caring for seniors, make him the perfect Medical Director for The Pavilion.  Since 2004, he has served in this position and is also part of a team of nursing home physicians that cares for hospice patients in several facilities throughout the area.

Although it may be difficult to find any spare time given his many responsibilities and endeavors, Dr. Vazquez enjoys playing golf, and listening to music from the 60's and 70's when he can.  It is not surprising that when it comes to sports teams, he is a big fan of the New York Yankees and the Buffalo Bills.  When it comes to our team at The Pavilion, we're just so happy he is a part of it.  "It is very well put together at The Pavilion, with a great facility, in a great town, and wonderful administrative leadership," he said. "I love it here."