Dr. Jayson Vazquez Mercado: Bridging Medicine and Music to Serve Puerto Rico

Ponce physician and former rapper brings healthcare and hope to underserved communities

Dr. Jayson Vazquez Mercado, MD, a seasoned general practitioner with over 26 years of experience, is redefining what it means to serve in medicine. Once known in Latin America’s music scene for his collaborations with artists like Bad Bunny and Residente, Dr. Vazquez now dedicates his life to providing compassionate, community-focused healthcare in his hometown of Ponce. 

Born in the Bronx and raised in Ponce, Dr. Vazquez graduated from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara in 1998 and holds a Puerto Rico medical license active through 2025. He specializes in family and emergency medicine, treating a wide range of conditions from diabetes to Alzheimer’s disease. His practice, located at 8165 Calle Concordia Ste 101, is known for its personalized care and emphasis on preventive health. 

In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic strained Puerto Rico’s healthcare system, Dr. Vazquez stepped away from music to work full-time at a hospital in Ponce. Initially met with skepticism due to his entertainment background, he quickly earned the respect of his peers and patients. “After a month, everybody knew that this wasn’t a joke for me, and that I’m good at what I do,” he said. 

Beyond the clinic, Dr. Vazquez has been a vital presence in disaster response. Following Hurricane Fiona in 2022, he joined Direct Relief to provide medical check-ups to families without power or water. His humanitarian efforts earned him recognition at the 2023 Premios Tu Música Urbano awards. 

Today, Dr. Vazquez continues to balance his medical practice with community outreach, working part-time in mobile clinics and advocating for healthcare reform. His unique journey from stage to stethoscope exemplifies a deep commitment to the well-being of Puerto Rico’s residents. 

Learn More about Dr. Jayson Vazquez Mercado: 

Through his findatopdoc profile, https://www.findatopdoc.com/doctor/95944-Jayson-Vazquez-Emergency-Physician 

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Karen Johnson

Karen Johnson is an Associate Content manager for FindaTopDoc and responsible for working with distinguished physicians in documenting their significant accomplishments in their field. Karen is a CPR instructor and is a member of her local theater group.