We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Purnell Traverso and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Purnell, how do you define success?
From a broader perspective, I think success is about the impact you have on the people and communities around you. It’s less about titles or milestones and more about whether the work you do genuinely improves someone else’s life.

In medicine, that responsibility becomes very tangible. Patients often come in feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or worried. Success, to me, is being able to meet that moment with honesty, skill, and thoughtfulness, helping people understand their situation and guiding them toward decisions they feel comfortable with.

But success also has to include balance. Work gives life a sense of purpose and contribution, but family gives it meaning. My wife and our children remind me that success isn’t only measured by what you accomplish professionally, but by the kind of presence you bring to the people who depend on you most.

In the end, success is about building a life where your work improves the lives of others, while the people closest to you keep you grounded and remind you what truly matters.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Traverso Hand Inc. was built around a philosophy that medicine should feel personal again. Medicine works best when patients feel heard, respected, and fully informed. When patients come into my office, they’re often dealing with pain, uncertainty, or anxiety about what might come next. My goal is to create a calm environment where they feel heard, understand their condition, and can make informed decisions about their care. Surgery is sometimes the right answer, but it isn’t always, and I believe patients deserve honest guidance so they can choose what is right for them.

Looking back, my journey to this point wasn’t easy. I grew up in Trinidad and worked my way into the medical system in the United States through a lot of determination, long hours, and the support of people who believed in me. Achieving each step along the way required real effort, but I can honestly say that it never felt like a burden because I learned to enjoy the process. I realized early on that growth often comes from the things that are hardest to do. The work itself became meaningful.

Building a practice was its own education. Over the past decade in practice, I’ve learned a tremendous amount from mentors, from mistakes, and from the responsibility that comes with caring for people. There were certainly nights early in my career when I barely slept, thinking about my patients and the decisions I had made. Over time, experience teaches you to trust the preparation and training that guide those decisions.

What I’m most proud of today extends beyond the practice itself. I’m proud that I can devote real attention to my patients, that I work alongside a team whose dedication makes good care possible, and that I’ve learned how important it is to respect the people you work with every day. Just as importantly, I’m proud of learning how to be present for my family and for my three boys.

If there’s one lesson the journey has reinforced, it’s that very little that’s meaningful comes easily. What matters most isn’t the material milestones but the process – putting in the work, learning from setbacks, and knowing that where you are is the result of effort rather than entitlement.

And perhaps most importantly, I try to remind myself to stay present. Life moves quickly, and it’s easy to get caught in the next goal or the next challenge. Taking a moment to look around, appreciate the people around you, and recognize what a privilege it is to be alive – that’s something I try to practice every day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
South Florida has such a unique mix of nature, culture, and great food that it’s hard to narrow it down, but the week would probably start with the ocean. There’s something special about beginning the day with a walk on the beach or being out on the water, it reminds you quickly why people love living here.

From there I’d want them to experience some of the different personalities of the area. A day exploring Miami – walking through neighborhoods like Wynwood or the Design District, seeing the art and architecture, and enjoying the incredible diversity of food the city offers – is always fun.

Food would definitely be part of the itinerary. South Florida has amazing restaurants, especially when it comes to fresh seafood and the mix of Latin and Caribbean influences that make the food scene so unique. Having grown up in Trinidad, I’ve always appreciated how food and culture bring people together, so sharing good meals and conversation would definitely be part of the experience.

I’d also make sure we spent some time outdoors, whether that’s boating, spending time on the water, or just enjoying the parks and coastal areas. One of the things I appreciate most about living here is how easy it is to step outside and enjoy nature.

And honestly, some of the best moments would probably be the simplest ones, spending time with family and friends, good conversation, good food, and enjoying the energy of this part of the world.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Medicine is very much a profession that is passed down from one generation to the next, and I was fortunate to learn from mentors who took that responsibility seriously. They didn’t just teach technical skill, they modeled judgment, discipline, and the importance of putting the patient first.

Patients themselves also deserve a great deal of credit. Over time you realize that every patient interaction shapes the physician you become.

And of course my family is the foundation that makes everything else possible. My wife and our children remind me that while medicine can define what you do, family ultimately defines what truly matters.

Website: https://www.TraversoHand.com

Other: info@TraversoHand.com

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