Dr. Portela received his veterinary degree from the School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Buenos Aires (Argentina) in 2002. In 2009, he obtained a Ph.D. from the University of Pisa (Italy) focusing his research on small animal regional anesthesia. He worked from 2009 to 2013 as a post-doc in the Anesthesiology section of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Pisa (Italy). In 2016, Dr. Portela completed his residency in anesthesiology at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (Ithaca, NY). He is currently a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia and holds the position of Assistant Professor in anesthesia and pain management at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL.

Dr. Portela's primary research focus centers on locoregional anesthesia and he has authored textbooks and numerous peer-reviewed articles in this field and lectured in various locoregional anesthesia courses and workshops.