Maritza was born and raised in Cabimas, Venezuela. She received her medical degree from the University of Zulia in 2010 and practiced for more than a year as a general practitioner, where she realized her passion for primary care and community medicine. In 2015, she came to the U.S. to complete all her examinations. She was raised by a working-class family and was modeled on the values of caring for others and taking responsibility for those with less. There is no better way to learn and teach than through service. She feels medicine is much more than a job; it is a vocation, a calling, and its obligations extend beyond the office. Her community service is motivated by the same desire that motivates her to be a physician – a desire to help others. Maritza is bicultural and bilingual and can offer services to Spanish-speaking families. Her professional interests include outpatient medicine, women’s health and geriatrics. At home, she supports her physician husband, Melvin, reads the Bible and enjoys spending time with her family. Some of her favorite activities include being outdoors, running and getting involved with community projects. Maritza is extremely grateful to continue her training at LVHN, where she will be able to promote health and wellness in the community while providing high-quality care to her patients.