David Restrepo, who has been residing in Portofino for approximately a month, is pictured outside the Bayview Medical Center. Coming from a large city, David sought a smaller yet beautiful place with friendly residents to call home. He is convinced that smaller towns possess an incomparable charm, and he discovered just that in Portofino.

Do you hold any positions in Portofino?

David Restrepo: I'm a trauma surgeon at Bayview Hospital. My work covers trauma surgery, emergency procedures, and general medicine. What I enjoy most about it is knowing that I can give people who have been through the worst moments of their lives a second chance. There’s something deeply fulfilling about stepping in at that critical moment—when life hangs in the balance—and making the difference that lets someone return home to their family. Even if I never see them again, knowing they’re out there, alive because of something I did, that’s what keeps me going. No matter how tough or emotionally draining it gets, I hold on to the light that this profession brings to people’s lives.

What do you love the most about Portofino?

David Restrepo: What I love most about Portofino is the quiet beauty of the place. It’s the kind of town where you can feel the ocean breeze and hear the waves in the distance, even while you’re working. For someone like me, who spends so much time in high-stress situations, having that calm atmosphere outside of the hospital really helps me reset. The people here are warm and genuine, and there’s a sense of community you don’t always find in bigger cities. It’s a place that allows you to breathe a little deeper and reminds you of the simple things that matter.