In the OR with Dr. Diego Pineros, cardiac surgeon

Posted on April 27, 2011 by K Eckland

Dr. Diego Pineros, cardiac surgeon

Spent an enjoyable morning with Dr. Diego Pineros in the operating room at Clinica San Rafael, watching him operate on a four-month old girl. Surgery went well, with no intra-operative or post-operative problems.

Spent the remainder of the morning talking about cases, the history of cardiac surgery and seeing patients.

Like many of his counterparts here in Bogota, Dr. Pineros spends his “leisure time” in ways we might not expect. Right now, he is coordinating and arranging for his surgical team to fly to Tolima (300 miles away) to perform several pediatric cases over the weekend. The team will spend several days to make sure their little patients are well on the road to recovery before returning to Bogota, and to another full week of surgery. When asked about this, Dr. Pineros quickly shrugs off any praise – stating, “they need surgery, and there is no one [at that hospital] to do it. It’s hard on the families that travel to Tolima [from outlying rural communities] for care.”

Dr. Diego Pineros

Cardiac Surgeon, Clinica San Rafael

Book Advertisement

Posted on April 27, 2011 by K Eckland

Created a new advertisement for the book. Now, obviously for reasons of patient privacy, HIPAA and all of that – we’ve changed the names, and pictures of the people involved. (I did obtain permission from the patient to use surgery photos in print, video and other media).

This is the first in a series of ads for the book, so let me know what you think.

Does it get any better than this?

Posted on April 26, 2011 by K Eckland

Going to heart surgery tomorrow – with one of the nicest people I’ve met since I’ve been here.. (Don’t worry, I’ll tell you all about it.)

Then, later this week, I have an appointment for an interview with a thoracic and vascular surgeon – I always said those two specialties combined are like dynamite..

Does it get any better than this? I’ll let you know.

(Cartagena Surgery News) But it certainly gets worse: over at our sister site we are talking about the financial and emotional burdens placed on Americans due to our failing healthcare system..

(Thoracic Surgery News) We’re discussing robotic surgery at our new Thoracic Surgery Portal:
Saw this on a neighboring blog, talking about robotic lung surgery – but my readers here know that Dr. Buitrago has been training with an American surgeon to offer that treatment here – at Clinica de Marly.

Thoracic Surgery portal

Posted on April 26, 2011 by K Eckland

Over at our sister site – we’ve published the first few discussions on lung surgery, and lung diseases as part of our new lung surgery portal.

It is the first tentative steps towards a fully integrated lung surgery site – CirugiadeTorax.org
which I hope to one build into a one stop site for patients looking for information, the latest treatment and facilities for lung surgery, and lung cancer. I envision a site eventually filled with articles, links to treatment options/ and facilities along with physician profiles from different surgeons around the world, so patients have access to the newest, and most effective treatments possible.

It’s a big task to take on – but it all starts somewhere, and who better than I, a practicing acute care nurse practitioner, in cardiothoracic surgery?
I am already travelling, meeting thoracic surgeons, learning about new and different treatments at every opportunity..

Just posted new articles on Malignant effusions and Preventing post-operative atrial fibrillation..

Dr. Diego Pineros, cardiac surgeon, (revisited)

Posted on April 25, 2011 by K Eckland

Clinica San Rafael – Bogota, Colombia

Most of you haven’t heard of Dr. Diego Pineros but I originally interviewed him about three months ago, (long before I set up this website.) He is one the many genuinely nice people I have had the fortune to meet during this trip (and a great tour guide since he knows quite a bit about the history of Bogota). Today, I went back to visit him, at Clinica San Rafael, which is one of several facilities where he operates.

The case for this morning was cancelled, but it was nice to catch up with Dr. Pineros, meet his residents (young future surgeons) and see the clinic itself.

While we were there – we ran into Dr. Mario Lopez (thoracic surgeon) who has now added Clinica San Rafael to his roster. If you remember, we last saw him in the operating room at Mederi.
I tried to get a picture of him (without his mask) but it’s a bit blurry..

Hope to be back at Clinica San Rafael soon, so I will be able to tell you more.

In the OR with Dr. Mauricio Largacha, Orthopedic Surgeon

Posted on April 23, 2011 by K Eckland

The rest of Bogota may be quiet for the Easter holidays (la semana santa) but the operating rooms were busy at Unidad Medica Cecimin.

Dr. Mauricio Largacha, Shoulder and Elbow surgeon

I spent an interesting and enjoyable morning in the operating room with Dr. Mauricio Largacha, MD for an arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair. Dr. Largacha is a natural teacher, and did an excellent job at explaining different aspects of the procedure, expected post operative outcomes, and specialized equipment – since I am less familiar with shoulder and elbow surgery than other surgical procedures. (Unsurprising since as I mentioned previously, he is an expert in this area, and the author of several chapters in multiple orthopedic surgery textbooks on elbow, shoulder and ankle surgery).

Dr. Mauricio Largacha (left) and author

Surgery went beautifully, and surprisingly quick.. No intraoperative complications.

Dr. Celso Bohorquez, plastic surgeon

Posted on April 21, 2011 by K Eckland

When we first met Dr. Celso Bohorquez, he was donating his time and surgical skills for the repair of congenital facial malformations in Chia, Colombia as part of Operacion Sonrisa.

I went back, yesterday, to Clinica Shaio, to learn more about the man, and the surgeon that so generously contributes to improving the lives of the less fortunate.

Dr. Celso Bohorquez, plastic surgeon

We spent the day in the operating room, watching Dr. Bohorquez perform several techniques including a case with facial endoscopy as part of a face-lift. The results of the cases were striking.

In other news, we are discussing pre-operative and intraoperative risk reduction for peri-operative/ post operative MI (along with the high incidence of missed diagnosis) over at our sister site.

Dr. Ernesto Andrade, plastic surgeon

Posted on April 19, 2011 by K Eckland

Dr. Ernesto Andrade is another one of Bogota’s celebrity plastic surgeons, of “Cambrio Extremo” fame. (A latin television version of ‘Extreme Makeover’ that was popular here several years ago.) Unfortunately, he was delayed today so I was unable to meet with him, but I did speak with a young doctor in his office, Dr. Eliana Garces. She filled in a bit of Dr. Andrade’s biography.

I’m hoping to meet with Dr. Andrade himself tomorrow after I get out of the operating room with Dr. Celso Bohorquez. If you remember, I met Dr. Bohorquez out in Chia while he was volunteering his surgical skills as part of Operacion Sonrisa (Operation Smile.)

Dr. Mauricio Largacha, orthopedic surgeon

Posted on April 19, 2011 by K Eckland

Dr. Mauricio Largacha is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery including arthroscopy, rotator cuff repair and joint replacement. I’ll be following him to the operating room this weekend – so check back in for more details..

For readers unfamiliar with orthopedic surgery – ankle and shoulder joint surgeries are a particular sub-specialty only practiced by a few orthopedic surgeons. Luckily for readers here – Dr. Largacha is the author of several of the most heavily used textbooks (and chapters in American medical textbooks) on both ankle and shoulder surgery.

Dr. Fabian Emura, of the EmuraCenter

Posted on April 18, 2011 by K Eckland

Dr. Fabian Emura, of the EmuraCenter

is a gastroenterologist and general surgeon here in Bogota, who specializes in the detection and treatment of digestive cancers. Along with his clinic, he has also created two separate divisions; a foundation for promote the prevention and detection of digestive cancers, and a medical education division – which supports training physicians world-wide in the endoscopy techniques he currently uses.

Currently, Dr. Emura is the only physician outside of China, Korea and Japan (where gastric cancer is endemic, and accounts for 20% of all cancers) who is treating early stage (stage I) cancers with endoscopic surgery versus a more radical gastrectomy. This procedure has already been well validated in Asia, where it has been used for over a decade.

Dr. Emura has also created and implemented a classification system for the grading and staging of digestive lesions.

By using chromography endoscopy (or chromoendoscopy) and a wax dye, doctors such as Dr. Emura are better able to visualize lesions that might otherwise be missed.

His research has also focused on differentiating colon lesions endoscopically, (to prevent unnecessary surgery for benign lesions).

He is currently working on screening guidelines (particularly for populations with higher incidence of gastric cancers such as in Colombia) because one of the main problems that still exists – is that the majority of patients with stomach cancer – are diagnosed late – when treatment options are limited and noncurative.

The Doctors Luna at Clinica Shaio

Posted on April 18, 2011 by K Eckland

Interviewed the father and son, Dr. Ruben Francisco Luna Romero and Dr. Ruben Daniel Luna Alvaro this morning, before following Dr. Luna (Alvaro) to the operating room. Dr. Luna was joined by the remaining doctor in the Grammo practice, Dr. Cesar Guevara.

Due to some technical issues – i will post photos later.

Update: 21 April 2011: Photos

Dr. Luna, general and transplant surgeon

Dr. Guevara (left) and Dr. Luna (right) during laparoscopic surgery

Dr. Cesar Guevara, Grammo

Back in the OR with Dr. Buitrago, and a visit with Dr. Andres Franco

Posted on April 16, 2011 by K Eckland

National Cancer Institute –

Dont judge a hospital by the exterior sign..

The view from the fifth floor is less than inspiring – with the Bogota prison from one angle and the now decrepid Hospital San Juan de Dios from another..

The view from the operating room window, the now defunct Hospital San Juan de Dios

But the view from within the operating room is impressive! Large operating rooms, in an all new facility, with brand new equipment.. This is a first class surgery facility..

– and the surgery itself was wonderful. I can’t divulge too many specifics other than it was a huge surgical resection that was the last chance for a heart-breaking patient..

: Dr. Buitrago, Thoracic surgeon

But the case went beautifully.

After spending all morning and part of the afternoon with Dr. Buitrago and his team – I went over to Hospital Santa Clara to interview a nice young thoracic surgeon, Dr. Jaime Andres Franco. Dr. Franco is actually dually trained as both an Critical Care Medicine specialist and a thoracic surgeon – which is ideal because it means he is even more capable of handling any sort of crisis that may affect his surgical patients.

I’m hoping to follow him to the operating room soon, so I can give you even more details..

In the OR with Dr. Martinez, Thoracic Surgery

Posted on April 15, 2011 by K Eckland

Spent most of the day over at Hospital Santa Clara with Dr. Stella Martinez, thoracic surgeon.. Despite having three cases, Dr. Martinez apologized for the paucity of scheduled OR surgeries due to the upcoming religious holidays.. (Despite Bogota’s booming population – this is a familiar scene, repeated around the city – kind of like people putting off surgery until after Christmas..)

Dr. Martinez, in the OR

I’d been warned by several people about Hospital Santa Clara – it’s one of the poorer public facilities, but to be frank, despite the aging exterior, it beat out some of the homegrown facilities I’ve been to.. While it was obviously a less affluent facility; with a campus style layout, no CT scan, and a 1950’s feel; the hospital was clean, all of the equipment worked, much of it was new – courtesy of a new administration..

Dr. Stella MArtinez, Thoracic surgeon

Dr. Martinez is impressive, both in and out of the operating room – with an extensive resume, and skill set. She’s currently the Director of the thoracic surgery residency program at Hospital Santa Clara, and she takes resident training seriously. She’s also interested, and active in research, and maintains a busy surgery practice at several facilities. There’s a lot more to say about this talented surgeon , but you’ll have to wait to read the rest.

In the OR with Dr. Hakim

Posted on April 14, 2011 by K Eckland

Had an interesting day with Dr. Fernando Hakim, Neurosurgeon, over at Santa Fe de Bogota, for a tumor resection. A lot of the stereotypes are true; neurosurgery is a precision-based specialty (not that the other specialties aren’t – but at least in most cases, there is a margin to work with**.) but some of them aren’t.. In this case, with a tumor pressing against the spinal cord – there is no margin to work with, no border area around the tumor, so to speak.. but then again this petty much describes a lot of neurosurgery.. requiring careful, painstaking process..something I would find inherently, and incredibly stressful – but Dr. Hakim and his team didn’t; they were focused, precise, but relaxed and well-coordinated with each other.. Definitely not the uptight, high stress stereotype.. (You’d think I would have known better – I’ve seen plenty of surgery, and some spine cases# before – but nothing of this magnitude, and as I’ve said before; neurosurgery is a bit of a final frontier)

(not to give you the wrong impression – surgery is always serious, this just wasn’t the melodrama that stereotypes/ stories sometimes suggest)

Dr. Fernando Hakim Daccach (left), neurosurgery

** ‘margin of tissue’ or area surrounding the tumor, not ‘margin of error’

# cartagena neuro cases were ‘back cases’ or spinal cases for chronic back problems..

Dr. Hakim, neurosurgeon using the OR microscope for precision work

To switch gears a bit, I met with Dr. Fabio Andres Mejia, a plastic surgeon specializing in rhinoplasty and breast procedures (augmentation/ reduction). He’s a former fellow (and current member of the) Dr. Ralph Millard (Society) and has been in practice since 1998.

He’s no longer working three jobs or taking emergency plastic surgery calls all over the city – and is now focused solely on private practice (and having a livable schedule)

In the OR with Dr. Javier Maldonado

Posted on April 13, 2011 by K Eckland

Dr. Javier Maldonado, cardiac surgeon

No southern accent, per say, just a gentle, relaxed way of speaking that reminds me of home.. Went to the operating room with Dr. Javier Maldonado at Clinica Colombia this morning, for a three vessel off-pump CABG. Everything went smooth – textbook perfect..

I followed him to the Cardiovascular ICU and then to his cardiac clinic to see patients..

After a productive and pleasant morning (and afternoon), I raced over to Clinica Shaio to catch the end of the minimally invasive cardiac surgery symposium, and to interview Dr. Barbosa, one of the first surgeons I interviewed for the Cartagena book..

Dr. Javier Maldonado

Cardiac surgeon, Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota, Clinica Colombia

In the OR with Dr. Buitrago, in the dentist’s chair and more

Posted on April 11, 2011 by K Eckland

Spent the morning at Shaio, in the operating room with Dr. Ricardo Buitrago.. Either my gringa accent is improving (doubtful) or I really have become a familiar face around there.. Observed Dr. Buitrago perform a couple of cases; the second was a VATS thymectomy, which definitely ranks above the traditional sternotomy.

Dr. Buitrago, thoracic surgeon

Ran into some strangely reticent native english speakers in the halls of Shaio today.. (Usually Americans, Brits and the like get real familiar with each other when we see another..) Didn’t introduce themselves even after I made a point of introducing myself.. Something’s up over at Clinica Shaio.. Is it a medical tourism company, or an impending branding agreement? I’ll see what I can find out.

Next I checked in with Dr. Gamboa, DDS – for those of you reading from afar – dental evaluations are completely different – they require an actual patient visit (no observation here.) Now that all of my family, friends, classmates and housemates have served as confederates for dental visits – I knew what was next when I cracked a tooth last week.. (Just so everyone knows how dedicated I am to my research – I had several dental repairs without anesthesia of any sort.. (no local, nada). And truthfully, it went very well.. (and my teeth look / feel great..)

last, but certainly not least for today was Dr. Fabian Emura, MD, PhD. He didn’t have a lot of time today, so I am going back Wednesday so I can tell you more about him, and the Emuracenter, which is doing a lot of interesting things for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancers..

Plans for the upcoming week..

Posted on April 10, 2011 by K Eckland

While I am still finalizing some of my interviews for the week – it’s looking promising, so far..

Plans to go to the OR with Dr. Buitrago (thoracic surgeon) and Dra. Stella Martinez (thoracic surgeon)

To the operating room, and interview with Dr. Maldonado (cardiac surgeon) – and we’ll see if I was just imagining that southern accent..

Interview with Dr. Fabian Emura, gastric cancer specialist, and general surgeon.

Emailed several more orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons, so hopefully, I’ll hear back..

Thoracic surgery, Operation Smile, and a new perspective in Chia

Posted on April 9, 2011 by K Eckland

Spent the morning in Chia with Dr. Osorio (thoracic surgeon) at Clinica Universitario Teleton. Cases went smoothly, beautifully and quickly. Then we rounded on patients in another facility..

: with Dr. Osorio, Thoracic Surgeon

While I was in Chia, I had an opportunity to meet several members of Fundacion Operacion Sonrisa (Operation Smile to all my stateside readers). I spoke with Pilar, one of the nurses on the surgical team, and Dr. Celso Bohorquez Escobar, plastic surgeon, who said they have sixteen cases planned for this weekend. They come to Chia several times a year, and operate in multiple locations throughout Colombia. For any of you unfamiliar with this organization (consisting of volunteer doctors, nurses and other medical staff), Operation Smile performs cosmetic repairs of facial deformities such as cleft palate for indigent patients and their families.

I also had a chance to (briefly) meet two urologists from Medellin that traveled to Chia to perform a urinary continence restoring surgery. I particularly like to see this sort of thing, (bringing care to patients in rural areas, or those who would otherwise go without) – because while neither of these procedures is arguably lifesaving, both procedures are dramatically life-altering, and contribute greatly to the enhancement of quality of life.

But, back to Dr. Osorio – I especially enjoyed talking to Dr. Osorio because as the Dean of Medicine for a medical school, he has different perspectives on the future of medicine, and Colombian medicine in general. He also shows a lot of insight, and open-mindedness to outside perspectives and opinions. Part of this comes from dealing with students and residents everyday, another part may be from his partnership with another physician in Chile (Dr. Claudia Suarez) and some of it undoubtably comes from experience.

I found it interesting and illuminating that Dr. Osorio is probably the first person to ask about my observations, and perspectives on surgery and medicine in Bogota, after being here three months, meeting numerous surgeons, and visiting multiple facilities.. And he seemed to actually be interested in the answers.. I think that any doctor who takes the time to consider the insights of foreign nurse, and asks for criticisms, is someone, who takes the time to look at the world differently, (and medicine needs that.)

Dr. Jairo Ramirez and Dra. Stella Martinez

Posted on April 8, 2011 by K Eckland

My early morning surgery plan fell apart – so I will try again next week. Met with Dr. Jairo Ramirez, MD, FACS over at Santa Fe de Bogota this morning. Dr. Ramirez is a vascular and thoracic surgeon, and the Chief of Vascular Surgery (at SF de B) but he reports the majority of his practice is the treatment of venous disease such as varicosities and venous stasis ulcers.

This afternoon, I met with Dra. Stella Martinez Jaramillo, (thoracic surgeon) and she is a fascinating lady. We had a great chat – and scheduled a day for me to see her in action..I am definitely looking forward to it.

Spoke with Dr. Javier Maldonado, cardiac surgeon on the phone today to set up an appointment next week over at Clinica Colombia. Now, I thought he completed some of his training in the USA but I could swear I heard soft traces of a southern accent – and Cleveland is a far cry from my native Virginia.. There must be a story there – or my overactive imagination.. I’ll keep you posted.

Dr. Ricardo Buitago, Thoracic Surgeon

Posted on April 7, 2011 by K Eckland

Spent an enjoyable afternoon with Dr. Miguel Ricardo Buitago, thoracic surgeon over at Hospital Simon Bolivar. Dr. Buitago recently completed training in the United States on the DiVinci Robot, and plans to continue this training here in Bogota with Dr. DeLusky (not sure about spelling), so he can introduce Robotic thoracic surgery to Colombia. Currently, the only DiVinci Robot in Bogota resides at Clinica Marly, where it is used for urologic and gynecologic surgeries.

Looking forward to meeting with Dr. Buitago again next week..

In the OR with Dr. Roosevelt Farjardo, General Surgeon

Posted on April 7, 2011 by K Eckland

It’s been two months since my initial visits to see Dr. Fajardo, general surgeon and administrator at Santa Fe de Bogota, so I thought it was time to check back in (and check out the operating room).

Dr. Roosevelt Fajardo, General Surgeon

Dr. Fajardo was assisted during the case by Dr. Carlos Felipe Perdomo, general surgeon. In addition to operating, Dr. Fajardo is responsible for several new and innovative programs at Santa Fe de Bogota, including a 14 specialty telemedicine service which brings specialty consultations to patients in remote areas of Colombia.

In the Operating Room with Dr. Andre Jimenez

Posted on April 6, 2011 by K Eckland

Dr. Jimenez, Thoracic Surgeon

In the operating room with Dr. Jimenez, thoracic surgeon at Santa Fe de Bogota today. Despite having multiple co-morbidities, the case went well – according to protocols with no intra-operative complications.

In other news, I am sorry to disappoint my readers but I actually declined an opportunity to go to the operating room (gasp!) today. After contacting a surgeon (sorry, folks – not Camilo Prieto) several times over the last two months, I actually met him face-to-face in the operating room. I introduced myself, but he was quite visibly reluctant to talk to me. I brashly asked when I could visit him in the OR (I was hoping to break the ice – and show that I’ve relatively harmless, but I probably came off as obnoxious.)

So, I had the opportunity to try and interview him, and see him operating – and I declined, so as to respect his privacy. While the book is everything to me – it’s a voluntary project. So, my sincerest apologies..

Dr. Jose Andres Jimenez & Dr. Hernando Russi Campos

Posted on April 5, 2011 by K Eckland

San Ignacio,

Interviewed a pair of thoracic surgeons this morning, the esteemed Dr. Hernando Russi Campos, the senior thoracic surgeon and Professor of Thoracic Surgery at Hospital San Ignacio and Dr. Jose Andres Jimenez Quijano, his junior counterpart.

Planning on following Dr. Jimenez into the operating room soon – so I’ll report back.

New article at Colombia Reports.com

Posted on April 4, 2011 by K Eckland

Bogota’s Hottest Young Surgeons is my latest article on Colombia Reports – talking about some of the great young surgeons here in the capital;

1. Dr. Juan Pablo Umana (cardiac surgeon)

2/3. Dr. Ivan Santos and Dr. Freddy Sanabria, (plastic surgeons)

4. Dr. Costanza Moreno (orthopedics)

5. Dr. Juan Carlos Garzon (thoracic surgeon) and

6. Dr. Jose Felix Castro (general surgeon)

and some of the things they are doing (which all of my loyal readers already know all about!)

It was a different style of writing than I am used to – but I enjoyed it, and hope to do another article in the future.

Update: After getting a few requests – I’ve re-posted the article here. (But, I’d appreciate it if you went to Colombia Reports anyway, so the editors can know how many people are reading the articles – and hope that they will publish more in the future!)

From Colombia Reports.com

Bogota’s Hottest Young Surgeons
Don’t let their youth fool you. These young Bogota surgeons are well versed in the latest technologies and the newest surgical techniques, and are changing the face of, and bringing new sophistication to the capital’s medical community.

Dr. Juan Pablo Umana, 46, Cardiac surgeon

A Bogota native, Dr. Juan Pablo Umana, with his Stanford education, quintessential rugged good looks and a refreshing outlook, brings a California flavor to Fundacion Cardioinfantil, where he has been the Chief of Adult Cardiac Surgery since 2004. He, along with Dr. Nestor Sandoval have ushered in a new era of Cardiac Surgery in Bogota with a expanding and state-of-the-art cardiac surgery service line. Notably, in 1997, Dr. Umana along with Dr. Memhet Oz invented the first mitral clip for percutaneous valve repair. During surgery, he is focused, meticulous and unflappable. Despite being the most senior of the surgeons listed here, he is just hitting his stride.

Colombia news - doc

Dr. Ivan Adolfo Santos, 41, Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Ivan Santos operates at Clinica Shaio, and is one of a trio of celebrity plastic surgeons here in Bogota. Genetically blessed, he looks ten years younger than his 41 years. In spite of his boyish good looks and shy nature, Dr. Santos is a confident and talented surgeon; more importantly, he gets results. Watching Dr. Santos operate is similar to watching a symphony conductor orchestrate classic music composures with 160 musicians. He never misses a beat, and he is simultaneously aware of everything around him. With his precision in the operating room and aggressive post-operative therapies, patients recover faster, with less pain, and leave his office looking and feeling their best.

Colombia news - doc

Dra. Constanza Moreno Serrano, 40, Orthopedic Surgeon

Dra. Constanza Moreno is orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and microsurgery such as digital reattachment after traumatic injury, reconstructive surgery and correction of congenital deformities. After training with the famed Dr. Harold Kleinert and Dr. Breidenbach III in Louisville, Kentucky, she returned to Bogota in 2005. She is currently developing a hand transplant program for victims of landmines. Next week, she is presenting her proposal at the International Hand and Composite Tissue Allotransplantation Society in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Juan Carlos Garzon, 39, Thoracic Surgeon

Dr. Juan Carlos Garzon is a man of action; operating at several facilities across Bogota. Trained in Hong Kong, Dr. Garzon excels at the more difficult thoracic cases. As one of just a few board-certified thoracic surgeons in Colombia, he is using video-assisted thoracoscopy to able to treat complex disease with minimal incisions. He is also teaching this technique to surgeons across Colombia. During cases, he is relaxed, controlled and ready for anything.

Colombia news - doc

Dr. Freddy Sanabria S., 38, Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Freddy Sanabria, a young Richard Gere look-a-like, makes his own pretty women as one-half of the Sanabria plastic surgery practice. Trained at the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford University, he brings skill, dedication and the latest cosmetic innovations to a well-established surgical clinic. While operating, he is confident, focused and detail oriented, and his surgical team anticipates his every need.

Colombia news - doc

Dr. Jose Felix Castro, 37, General Surgeon

Dr. Jose Felix Castro is a staff surgeon at Clinica del Country. This magna cum laude academic scholar is one of a few of the talented young general surgeons in Bogota who have embraced single port laparoscopy, which means abdominal surgery without a scar. While Dr. Castro is the youngest of our line up, he brings a wealth of experience to the operating room.

// //

Upcoming week: more thoracics!

Posted on April 4, 2011 by K Eckland

It’s good to be back in Bogota! Now, if only I could line up all my appointments as easily.

I had anticipated more neurosurgery this week, but with the big neurosurgery conference in Mexico, it’s not turning out that way. So far, it looks like it’s going to be more of a Thoracic surgery week – with some orthopedic surgery and general surgery mixed in..

I’m going to see Dr. Osorio again, at the hospital in Chia this time, (if I can find it…)

I’m hoping to meet with Dr. Stella Martinez too.. I’ve heard a lot of great things about her from several of her colleagues, so I am really looking forward to it.

I’m still trying to arrange a meeting with Dr. Jimenez sometime this week – so I will keep you updated with how that turns out..

Tomorrow, I’m interviewing Dr. Klaus Mieth, an orthopedic surgeon – and I am hoping to catch up with Dr. Roosevelt Fajardo, (general surgeon) over at Santa Fe de , to get together later this week..

There are a few other physicians, I am still hoping to hear back from – so we’ll see how the week unfolds.

Update: 6 April 2011

Met with Dr. Klaus Mieth yesterday – interesting gentleman; speaks three languages; english, german and spanish.. Works full time as an orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee procedures – but also serves as the Director of the largest (and non-profit too) bone and tissue bank in Colombia..

In Medellin

Posted on April 2, 2011 by K Eckland

In Medellin this weekend, meeting with Adriaan Alsema, the editor-in-chief of Colombia Reports, the largest English-language news website for Colombia. He’s published a couple of my articles in the past, so when I had a chance to meet him in person, I jumped at it.

He’s an interesting guy, a Dutch ex-pat who has been here in Medellin for the last three years – keeping the english speaking world up to date on all the news and happenings in Colombia. He’s a blunt, forthright, sophisticated journalist who doesn’t sugar-coat anything for anyone. (So, naturally, we got on famously.)

As much as I’m enjoying Medellin (hope to be back for book three), I will be glad to return to Bogota tomorrow and get back to work!

Dr. Juan Fernando Ramon, Neurosurgery

Posted on March 31, 2011 by K Eckland

Spent the morning with Dr. Juan Fernando Ramon, neurosurgeon at Hospital Centro de la Policia. (He also operates at two other hospitals). Dr. Ramon is one of only a handful of neurosurgeons in Colombia who performs neuroendoscopy.

We toured the hospital – and then I watched him perform a small procedure for radiculopathy (in a patient with chronic back pain.) The hospital has a fully-equipped $4 million dollar neuro-suite (not seen in photo below.)

The patient kindly gave permission for the use of the photos

: Dr. Ramon (and patient)

Met with Dr. Camilo Osorio, Thoracic surgeon this afternoon, for patient consultations. He was great – spent a lot of time with patients explaining procedures, and answering questions. He also calls all of his patients a few days before and after surgery – just to see how they are doing. I’ll see Dr. Osorio in the operating room soon.

Ran into Dr. Rincon (cardiac surgeon) from SaludCoop – literally. I plan to go back over to SaludCoop and see him and Dr. Mauricio Jimenez again.

I’ve decided to cease my pursuit of Dr. Camilo Prieto- after several emails, phone calls (by other surgeons vouching for me) and a visit – I just have to assume he isn’t interested in participating. I only pursued him so far because besides being heavily advertised, and well-known here, I never actually got to speak to him personally, and never got a “no” from anyone.. But now that others have contacted him on my behalf – I’ll definitely take that as a ‘no’..

A day of Passion!

Posted on March 31, 2011 by K Eckland

Had a long, but exciting day, with some interesting doctors – who are strikingly passionate about their work, which is always wonderful to see.

This morning, I traveled out to Chia, to the University of Sabana to visit with Dr. Camilo Osorio Barker, MD who is the Dean of Medicine, (and a practicing thoracic surgeon.) Like many thoracic surgeons here in Colombia, Dr. Osorio practices at several locations, (primarily out in Chia at the University-affiliated hospital) but he also sees patients at Cardioinfantil. (He is partnered with Dr. Tellez and Dr. Garzon, both of whom we’ve interviewed previously)

One three- day weekend a month, he sees patients in Medellin. He primarily specializes in the treatment of hyperhidrosis (excess sweating of palms, facial flushing) by thorascopic sympathectomy. He report that this makes up about 90% of his practice – with the remainder of cases as VATS lung resections, and other lung procedures. There’s a lot more to tell – but it’s been a long day, and I have an early appointment tomorrow with Dr. Ramon (neurosurgery) at Hospital Centro de Policia..

Don’t worry – I will be seeing Dr. Osorio again soon.

Next stop was Dr. Fernando Hakim, a neurosurgeon at Santa Fe de Bogota. He was a fantastic interview – while he does the whole spectrum of neurosurgical procedures for vascular malformations, tumors, spinal problems, etc, he is best known for his treatment of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH).

(As I mentioned in a previous post) It seems almost inevitable, or inescapable that the son of the famed Dr. Salomon Hakim (who developed the first treatment for normal pressure hydrocephalus) – has carried on his father’s legacy. But Dr. Fernando Hakim is passionate about neurosurgery, and has certainly made his mark..

He clearly loves his work – I could have interviewed him for hours, and hours (but he’s a busy neurosurgeon, so I didn’t). I will be seeing him again soon – (next week) and I’ll bring more information then.

Lastly, I stopped in to see Dr. Jose Felix Castro, general surgeon for a quick visit to get some last minute information for another project I am working on..

Dr. Constanza Moreno Serrano, Hand & Microsurgeon

Posted on March 29, 2011 by K Eckland

Dra. Constanza Moreno is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and microsurgery. She specializes in the treatment of traumatic injuries such as digital and limb re-attachment, reconstructive surgery and correction of congenital deformities. Next week she is traveling to Atlanta, Georgia to give a presentation at the International Hand and Composite Tissue Allotransplantation Society on the Hand Transplant Program she is developing at Santa Fe de Bogota. Her aim is to restore limbs (and functionality) to the lives of Colombians affected by landmines.

I hope to follow her to the operating room when she returns.. Look for more exciting news from this gracious physician in the future..

Colombia and Landmines

21 April 2011 – since I originally posted, I’ve received a lot of questions about hand tranplantation.. Here’s a Yahoo article discussing a recent hand transplant.

Journey into Neurosurgery

Posted on March 29, 2011 by K Eckland

Delving into the depths of neurosurgery today with Dr. Enrique Jimenez-Hakim at Santa Fe de Bogota. For someone like me with no neurosurgery background (other than the required rotations in school), this brings a lot of trepidation. But Dr. Jimenez – Hakim was exceedingly kind and patient despite all of my questions.

Dr. Jimenez – Hakim is part of a busy four surgeon Neurosurgery department at the Santa Fe de Bogota, which performs 500 – 600 cases per year, with a neurosurgery residency program through El Bosque University.

Interestingly, Dr. Jimenez – Hakim has personal legacy of neurosurgery. Both he and his cousin, Dr. Fernando Hakim Daccach are second generation neurosurgeons. Their fathers, were some of the first neurosurgeons in Colombia. Notably, Dr. Salomon Hakim (Dr. Enrique Jimenez-Hakim’s uncle) was a pioneer in the treatment of hydrocephalus and the develpment of the first unidirection valve for drainage of excess CSF. (There was an early valve developed in 1949 by another neurosurgeon but it was poorly functioning.) All valves developed since Dr. Hakim’s valve have been based on his design.

This legacy has certainly been something for Dr. Jimenez – Hakim and Dr. Fernando Hakim to live up to – and they have. (more about that later).

Planning to to go the operating room with Dr. Jimenez – Hakim as soon as he returns from giving a lecture at the Latin American forum in Mexico City – on awake craniotomies.

More about Dr. Jimenez – Hakim, and neurosurgery in Bogota, Colombia.

In the the OR with Dr. Juan Pablo Umana & Dr. Ricardo Nasser

Posted on March 28, 2011 by K Eckland

Dr. Juan Pablo Umana, cardiac surgeon

Dr. Juan Pablo Umana

Cardiac Surgeon at Fundacion Cardioinfantil

Spent the morning in the operating room with Dr. Juan Pablo Umana. Dr. Umana is the Chief of Adult Cardiac Surgery at Cardioinfantil.

Ran into an old friend while I was there..

Dr. Jose Pomares, Anesthesia

Dr. Pomares was a anesthesia resident over at Medihelp in Cartagena, when I was writing hidden gem.. I recognized those emerald eyes right away.. (not sure if I would have recognized him without the mask.)

Dr. Umana had another case, but so did I – over at Santa Fe de Bogota..

Went back to see Dr. Ricardo Nasser, Chief of Bariatric Surgery. He just returned from the Bariatric Surgery conference in Cartagena, and was back at work, in the operating room.

Dr. Ricardo Nasser

Bariatric Surgeon – Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota

Dr. Richard Nasser, Bariatric surgeon

Writing, writing, writing

Posted on March 26, 2011 by K Eckland

Spending the day (and much of the weekend) writing, transcribing notes from recent interviews, and working on an upcoming article. The article is a bit of a departure from my previous work, being a bit more light-hearted, and less academic than my previous writing. Hopefully, this will give it a broader appeal. It’s also a nice way to call attention to some of the newer technologies, and techniques I’ve seen, and share a bit of the spotlight with the people doing all the hard work. (These guys don’t blow their own horns much – even when it’s well-deserved.)

I have a few more interviews to conduct next week before I can finish it.. I am enjoying the change of style, but I will be happy to revert back to my usual writing.

Hoping to catch up with some more orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, vascular surgeons, and just a few more thoracic surgeons in the next few weeks..(see my ‘Chasing Thoracics’ blog for more information).

Looks like the book cover is pretty much done – you can see it under the ‘book’ tab. I find that completing the artwork helps keep me focused on the book, especially once I’ve past the mid-point..

Back in the OR with Ivan Santos

Posted on March 25, 2011 by K Eckland

Back in the operating room today with Dr. Ivan Santos at Clinica Shaio. Dr. Santos was in perfect form, as always.. (I swear, watching him in the operating room is like watching a conductor with a 160 member orchestra..He sees and notices everything.)

Between cases with Dr. Ivan Santos, plastic surgeon

He was assisted by Dr. Julie Alfonso today.

with Dr. Julie Alfonso, plastic surgeon

If you want to see & learn more about Dr. Ivan Santos – he has his own YouTube channel.. (It’s in Spanish.)

Single port laparoscopy

Posted on March 25, 2011 by K Eckland

Single port laparoscopy with Dr. Arias

Over at Medscape – everyone is excited about single port laparoscopy.. But as Dr. Arias and Dr. Castro can tell you, that’s nothing new in Bogota, Colombia – just standard operating procedure.

Single Port Laparoscopy article at Medscape

Youtube movie with Dr. Arias – filmed several years ago.

In the OR with Dr. Freddy Sanabria, plastic surgeon

Posted on March 24, 2011 by K Eckland

with Dr. Freddy Sanabria, plastic surgeon

Spent the morning with Dr. Sanabria, at his clinic in North Bogotá (Usaquen) which was a treat. (I have lots of great things to say – but for more in-depth information, you’ll have to buy the book. 😉 I will say that surgical conditions were excellent, technique and skills were impeccable.

Working on my next possible article, which just may feature the good doctor.. Guess you’ll all have to wait and find out. (If the editor passes – I’ll post here.)

Update: 3/2012: Readers know that I put little stock in ‘testimonials’ but I’ll include them (by readers multiple requests) when I find them.. or otherwise stumble across them – since this isn’t an ad agency..

Dr. Freddy Sanabria

The Umana Phenomenon

Posted on March 24, 2011 by K Eckland

Dr. Juan Pablo Umana, Cardioinfantil

Since starting the Bogota project, I’ve followed the reported statistics for the blog – which tells me what my readers are looking for, and what they want.. Much of this is as expected – heavily advertised plastic surgeons bring a lot of traffic to the site – and the cardiovascular topics (cardiac surgery, carotid disease) bring quite a few readers to the sister site, cartagenasurgery, so I’ve tried to gear some of the discussions to what people have been looking for..

But then, there are findings that are not what I expected:
And the biggest surprise of all has been the continued fascination/ success / popularity of Dr. Juan Pablo Umana..

in the operating room with Dr. Juan Pablo Umana

Or perhaps, I should phrase that better: after meeting and interviewing with Dr. Umana – his professional success as Chief of Cardiac Surgery at Cardioinfantil is certainly NO surprise.. what has surprised me is his consistent ranking as the #1 search term for this/ and the cartagena surgery website..

In fact, this week; “Dr. Juan Pablo Umana”, “Juan P. Umana,” and “Umana, cardioinfantil” are the top three search terms, respectively.

I spoke to him about it (he’s just as surprised as I am; heart surgeons are not usually web celebrities, if you exclude Dr. Oz) and we are planning to meet again, so I can try and give my readers what they want.. So, if there is anything specific that you want to know – drop me a line or a comment, and I will be sure to ask him at our next meeting. But now I’ve got to run and meet Dr. Sanabria..

Dr. Francisco Cabal, Dr. Jaime Rojas, Orthopedics

Posted on March 23, 2011 by K Eckland

Dr. Cabal, (left) and Dr. Rojas, Orthopedic Surgeons

Good morning over at Clinica del Country with Dr. Francisco Cabal, and Dr. Jaime Rojas in an interesting orthopedic case this morning.. Everything was beautifully smooth – great anesthesia with Dr. Douglas Leal.. Attended a nursing lecture on orthopedic patients..

Interview with Dr. Edgar Prieto, General and Biliary surgeon this evening.. Clinica de la Mujer is reviewing my credentials before I check out their OR. Supposed to hear back this evening – in time for Dr. Prieto’s cases..

cardioinfantil

Posted on March 23, 2011 by K Eckland

at Cardioinfantil

Another morning in the operating room theater at Cardioinfantil.. Always great to watch Dr. Garzon at work – smooth and effortless, every time.

Spent this afternoon interviewing a general surgeon, Dr. Joaquin Guerra Nino over at Clinica de la Mujer..

More time in the OR tomorrow with Dr. Cabal with interviews in the afternoon..
Finished a tenative cover design for the new book.. Going to get some feedback, and then I’ll post it for your review..

Busy week coming up!

Posted on March 18, 2011 by K Eckland

Spent this morning rounding with a thoracic surgeon, hearing about cases.. Had a lot of pediatric cases which was interesting – (I don’t do any pediatrics). Still haven’t been able to get a hold of a few of the surgeons I would like to interview..

Next week should be pretty busy; Monday is a holiday but the rest of the week is pretty booked; to the OR with Dr. Cabal and Dr. Sanabria, meeting with Dr. Joaquin Guerra, general surgeon and Dr. Edgar Prieto, a hepatic and biliary surgeon. Hoping to set up a few more appointments..

New Article at Colombia Reports

Posted on March 17, 2011 by K Eckland

Read my latest article at Colombia Reports.com:
http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/14923-bogota-hospital-offers-hope-to-abdominal-cancer-patients.html