Dr. Ralph Diaz Colon, MD
Dr. Ralph Diaz Colon, MD, is a highly experienced pediatrician with over 27 years of practice spanning both private and hospital-based settings in Puerto Rico and Arizona. Following his pediatric residency at Ponce District Hospital, he entered private practice in Corozal and Manati, Puerto Rico, while maintaining a strong commitment to hospital-based pediatric care. Dr. Diaz Colon has served as an attending physician at multiple facilities, including Manatí Medical Center and Doctors’ Center Hospital, where he has been instrumental in the development of pediatric emergency services and neonatal intensive care programs.
In addition to his clinical expertise, Dr. Diaz Colon has held several leadership positions, including Medical Director at Valley Health Center in Arizona and Chief of the Pediatrics Department as well as Chairman of the Quality Improvement Program at Doctors’ Center in Manati. He is recognized for his work in hospital administration, quality improvement, and mentoring medical students as a proctor for San Juan Bautista Medical School and Ponce Medical School. His contributions to medical education have helped shape the next generation of pediatricians, particularly in neonatal and pediatric emergency care.
Beyond his professional responsibilities, Dr. Diaz Colon is deeply committed to community service and philanthropy. He has conducted educational initiatives for underprivileged elementary students in Manati and regularly offers conferences on vaccines and drug safety. Outside of medicine, he enjoys horseback riding and playing golf with his wife, reflecting his belief in balancing professional dedication with personal well-being. Driven by a lifelong passion for pediatrics and neonatology, Dr. Diaz Colon combines clinical excellence, compassionate care, and leadership to positively impact both patients and the healthcare community.
• Ponce District Hospital – Internship
• Ponce District Hospital – Pediatric Residency
• Doctor of Medicine
• Licensed Pediatrician
• Leadership Roles and Medical Education Contributions
• Medical Excellence Award
• Lifetime Achievement Award
• College of Surgeons and Physicians of Puerto Rico
• Affiliate of the American Academy of Pediatrics
• Charity work and educational programs for underprivileged elementary school students in Manati, Puerto Rico
• Offers conferences on vaccines and drugs
-Classification and approach to treatment of skin infections
-Update on children’s vaccination programs
-Bullying…understand it…Stop it
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Pediatric Care
- Neonatal Intensive Care
- Hospital Administration
- Quality Improvement Programs
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
I love what I do. Children do not understand pain nor the processes of recovery. Being able to change a frown to a smile is very rewarding for me. Every morning I wake up excited to go to work and accomplish that for my little patients. And when it comes to neonates, seeing our babies go from hypoactive and ill to active feeding and lively movements in their cribs….is sheer joy.My passion for pediatrics and neonatology motivates me to provide the best possible care, even in high-pressure situations. And I cannot say enough to the staff I have had the privilege to share my work with.