Melissa A.
Rivera Santiago, MD
Specialty: General Practice
Dr. Melissa A. Rivera Santiago is a dedicated and compassionate physician at Premier Medical
Associates, bringing a wealth of experience and a deeply rooted passion for patient-centered
care. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, she was instilled with strong values of hard
work and respect, which continue to shape her approach to medicine today.
Her journey into healthcare began early in life. A pivotal moment during a middle school field trip
to San Jorge’s Children’s Hospital sparked her passion for medicine. Witnessing the
resilience of young patients battling illnesses, and the joy that compassionate care could bring,
inspired her to actively engage in volunteer work. She became part of a school-based
organization that visited the hospital monthly, offering support and entertainment to children in
need. This experience solidified her calling in the medical field.
Dr. Rivera Santiago pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio
Piedras Campus, before earning her Doctorate in Medicine from the Autonomous
University of Guadalajara in Mexico. She completed her internship at Hospital Oncologico
Dr. Isaac Gonzalez Martinez in Centro Medico, Puerto Rico, where she deepened her
clinical expertise and patient care skills.
Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in volunteer organizations, always
staying true to the values that first led her into medicine. She strongly believes that “a great
physician treats the patient, not just the disease,” and this philosophy guides her every day.
As a General Practitioner, Dr. Rivera Santiago places a strong emphasis on preventive care
and patient education. She believes that effective communication is at the heart of quality
healthcare. Her approach ensures that every patient understands their diagnosis and treatment
plan, fostering a doctor-patient relationship built on trust, patience, and empathy.
At Premier Medical Associates, Dr. Rivera Santiago is more than just a physician—she is a
trusted health partner who prioritizes the well-being of her patients. Whether it’s routine check-
ups, chronic disease management, or preventive health strategies, she ensures that each
patient receives personalized and compassionate care.
Visit Premier Medical today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Melissa A. Rivera
Santiago and experience healthcare with a physician who truly listens and cares.
Dr. Gabriel Vargas
Specialty: General Practice & Healthcare Education
Dr. Gabriel Vargas is a dedicated and versatile physician at Premier Medical Associates,
bringing a unique combination of medical expertise, education, and community involvement to
patient care. Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and raised in Coamo, Puerto Rico, Dr. Vargas grew
up in a humble home where the values of care, compassion, and respect were instilled from an
early age. Inspired by the dedication of his grandparents, he developed a deep appreciation for
serving others, particularly the elderly and underserved communities.
Dr. Vargas’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s Degree in General Sciences from the
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, with concentrations in Psychology and Secondary
Education Sciences. This foundation in science and education reinforced a holistic
understanding of patient care, emphasizing both physical and emotional well-being.
Pursuing his passion for medicine, Dr. Vargas obtained a Doctor of Medicine from the
Autonomous University of Guadalajara (2010-2014) and further honed his clinical skills through
medical externships in New Jersey and New York (NYCSPREP) from 2014-2015. His internship
at Pavia Caguas Hospital in Puerto Rico (2023-2024) provided valuable hands-on experience in
diverse medical cases, solidifying his expertise in general medicine.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Vargas has embraced a diverse approach to healthcare, serving as
a Professor of Health Sciences, Clinical Auditor, Medical Coder, and Provider Services
Representative. This multifaceted background reflects his commitment to both patient care and
medical education, ensuring that healthcare is not only about treatment but also about
empowering patients with knowledge.
A passionate advocate for holistic and empathetic patient care, Dr. Vargas firmly believes that
medicine is both the art of observation and listening. His approach ensures that patients are
treated as whole individuals, not just a set of symptoms, creating a welcoming, compassionate,
and informative healthcare experience.
At Premier Medical Associates, Dr. Vargas is dedicated to delivering patient-centered care while
also contributing to the broader field of medical education. Whether it’s preventive health
strategies, chronic condition management, or medical education initiatives, Dr. Vargas is
committed to providing exceptional, well-rounded healthcare services.
Schedule an appointment today with Dr. Gabriel Vargas at Premier Medical and experience a
patient-first approach to healthcare that truly makes a difference.
