Born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico all college and medical education was obtained at the University of Puerto Rico. Graduated from the Dermatology Training Program, Harvard Medical School in 1972. Became Chief of Dermatology Ambulatory Services of the MGH in 1977 and was instrumental in establishing specialized services such as Dermatologic Surgery (Mohs procedure), Laser and Cosmetic and Contact Dermatitis/Patch Testing/Occupational Dermatology during a 10-year tenure. One of the founders of Photochemotherapy in the USA. Continues to direct the first Contact Dermatitis/Patch Testing/Occupational Dermatology clinic in New England established in 1977. Scholarly work has been mostly dedicated to phototherapy, lasers and contact dermatitis.

Extracurricular activities have been dedicated to issues of diversity and minorities at Harvard Medical School and the MGH. Established the first Hispanic Medical Students Mentorship Program for the four medical schools in Massachusetts in the country. Served a 10-year tenure as Associate Director of the Multicultural Affairs Office and is one of the founding members of the Diversity Committee of the MGH. The Ernesto Gonzalez Award for Outstanding Services to the Hispanic Community was established by the MGH in 2005 to honor him and employees that display similar dedication every year. Received the Clifford Barger Excellence in Mentoring (2002), the Harold Amos Faculty Diversity Award of the Year (2001) and the Humanism Award (2003) from Harvard Medical School.