Health department welcomes new provider

Published 5:45 pm Monday, February 27, 2017

JASPER — The Florida Department of Health in Hamilton County welcomes new provider Dr. Joseph Diaz Barrientos.

Barrientos grew up in Puerto Rico.

He grew up around the medical field since both of his parents were psychiatrists.

He enjoyed the medial field but decided to become a general practitioner.

Barrientos came to Florida in January 2016 and began working for the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County in March.

In November 2016, he was offered the opportunity to work in Hamilton County for three days a week and two in Alachua County.

Barrientos said he enjoys working in Hamilton County. He said everyone is very friendly. 

“I really like a small, close practice,” Barrientos said. “You can interact more with the patients and get to know them.”

“We are super excited to have him,” Administrator Mark Lander said. “ The staff and clients love him. It is so hard to recruit physicians to come to rural areas.”

He added it has been a benefit that he speaks Spanish.