I hope everyone is enjoying some of the changes in format – after all the wonderful experiences I had writing the Mexicali book, I thought I would start incorporating more local culture and content in the blog when I am in Bogotá.  (I have always enjoyed Bogotá – but my writing tended to be rather dry and uni-focal so from now on, I’ll try to include more local information about the city since I am in the midst of it all.)

Barbie display at Andino Mall, Carrera 11 No 82-01

It doesn’t mean that I am any less interested in crucial issues in medical tourism, quality measures or surgery – I just won’t focus on these topics exclusively.

I spent yesterday over at Clinica de Marly with Dr. Ricardo Buitrago to watch one of his robotic surgery cases.  They’ve been doing robotic surgery over at Marly for several years – but Dr. Buitrago just started the first robotic program in thoracic surgery in Colombia.  (Previously the robot was used exclusively for urology and gynecology surgery).

Robotic surgery with Dr. Ricardo Buitrago

Dr. Buitrago trained with the renown robotic (thoracic) surgeon, Dr. Mark Dylewski – and has been a thoracic surgeon for over 20 years so it is always interesting to watch one of his cases – robots or no robots..

Just published a new article about robotic-assisted thoracic surgery over at the Examiner.com along with photos and a short film clip that shows the robot in action.  I am working on a longer film that provides a better look at what robotic surgery really is/ what it entails.