I believe that one should always try to learn new things, including how to teach. From an early stage in my life, I've truly enjoyed learning from “hands-on” experiences. New knowledge can be acquired by reading or listening to a conference, but you become a real professional when that knowledge is expressed through your motivation, intuition, passion and commitment. There are certain professional fields where communication skills, and interpersonal relations are crucial. Since the year 1995, I have devoted my life to learn and teach neonatal-perinatal medicine. I have a broad background in this field, with specific training and expertise in educational, as well as professional services and research areas. As a neonatal-perinatal medicine resident at UPR-Medical Sciences Campus, I carried out translational research on nutritional, metabolic and genetic aspects of neural tube defects in Puerto Rico. As a faculty member in the Neonatology Section, UPR-MSC, I expanded my research to include prematurity, other congenital anomalies and neurodevelopmental follow-up of newborns that required intervention in a neonatal intensive care unit in Puerto Rico. As Principal Investigator or co-Investigator on several universities, State Developmental Deficiencies Council, The Puerto Rico Health Department and national-funded grants, I laid the groundwork for research studies developing effective measures of study design, study conduct, data management and quality control; as well as statistical analysis and research ethics. Most of these studies have involved undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate students. I successfully administered projects such as staffing, research protections and budget management in collaboration with other researchers and produced several peer-reviewed publications from each project. I am a mentor for pediatric and neonatal-perinatal medicine residents, in a teaching environment where the six domains of clinical practice are constantly assessed: patient care, knowledge, practice based learning and improvement, professionalism, system based practice, interpersonal skills and communication. Close mentoring ensures a meaningful, supervised experience extending throughout the individual's training, in order to achieve the clinical educational goals and complete a work product to be published in a peer review journal. I am aware of the importance of frequent communication among health professionals and other community members to achieve a realistic educational and research plan with an appropriate timeline and budget. I promote a professional interaction in which all neonatal-perinatal providers in Puerto Rico and the world feel valued and have the opportunity to participate in educational activities that will empower them and strengthen their leadership. I also recognize that perinatal care requires cooperative and collaborative relationships with those who share our same values and beliefs, and have always devoted myself to encourage those bonds that make us an effective unit. I am proud to have a demonstrated record of accomplished and productive commitment in promoting that all women and the newly-born infant will receive a fair distribution of this country's health care resources by providing a personalized service to patients and their families.