Maria Polanco, PA-C

Practice philosophy: I strive to care for all my patients as I would care for my own family.

What are you passionate about and why? I am deeply passionate about my work in medicine. It is incredibly fulfilling to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives and help them achieve better health and a better quality of life. I am especially committed to serving the underserved and those with limited resources, ensuring they have access to the care they need.

If you weren’t a health care provider, what would you be? I would be a biology teacher, as I’ve always loved sharing knowledge and inspiring others to appreciate science.

Why did you become a provider? When did you know this was the career for you? I discovered my passion for becoming a provider while working as a medical technologist. I realized that I wanted to interact directly with patients and play a larger role in their care, rather than working behind the scenes.

What is something you have learned from your patients?My patients have taught me the importance of resilience and strength. I’ve also learned that trust is the foundation of effective health care. Without trust, it becomes much harder for patients to follow through on recommendations and achieve better outcomes.

What is one of the challenges of this career you enjoy, and why? I enjoy navigating challenges because they often come with opportunities to find solutions and make a difference. Connecting patients with resources that improve their quality of life is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.

What is your personal health goal? My goal is to make regular exercise a bigger priority in my life by going to the gym more often.

What is the best thing you’ve done for your health, or the best health advice you’ve received? In the past, I dedicated myself to working out five days a week, which made me feel strong and energized. These days, I’ve been dancing more frequently, which brings me joy and keeps me active. The best advice I’ve received is to focus on better nutrition and a healthier diet.

What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my children, my parents, and my roots in Puerto Rico. My Puerto Rican heritage is a big part of who I am, and you’ll always see a Puerto Rican flag somewhere in my life—whether it’s at my desk, on my keychain, or in my home.

What are a few of your personal achievements? Piloting STD screening for home GC chlamydia self swab testing.