My apologies to my dear readers for this late post.  I usually write about surgery and surgeons, but occasionally drift into other things..   I visited the new Clinica de Medellin facility in late July, but didn’t have time to write about it before now.

Dermatology

Just before travelling to Medellin to cover Colombia Moda and the ALAT conference, I developed a dermatology problem.  As my American readers know, getting an appointment with a specialist in the USA can often take several months.  In fact, I was given an appointment in early July for later this fall.

However, during my stay in Medellin, my dermatology condition continued, so I decided to give the Clinica de Medellin another try.  I had heard rumors about some re-organization of the medical travel division so I decided to use this as an opportunity to verify those rumors.  I am very pleased to report that after sending my initial email to the Clinica de Medellin requesting a consultation with a dermatologist that I received a reply that same day (from Adriana Henao – email: ahenao@correo.clinicamedellin.com.co).

The coördinator called me back to confirm my availability and to ask if I would be willing to go to a clinic at one of the other Clinica de Medellin campuses.   (She also asked about my level of Spanish fluency so she could direct me to the appropriate physician.)

By the next day, an appointment had been scheduled for the end of the week.

New clinic

The clinic was so new that when I gave the address to the cab driver, he merely raised an eyebrow before starting the car.  On arrival, he expressed surprise – and said, “This wasn’t there before.”  The Clinica de Medellin Sede Occidental is divided into a hospital and an outpatient clinic area.  The smell of fresh paint was still evident in the immaculate, and sparkling facility.

The officer at the information desk had me personally escorted to the correct clinic when he heard my American accent (and hesitant Spanish).  I waited about fifteen minutes before being escorted into the private office of Dra. Sara Gonzalez Trujillo.  She was very friendly and pleasant.  We reviewed my past medical history and current treatments before she examined me.  She explained the condition in-depth before writing several prescriptions and requesting a lab test.

She provided me with a full copy of my medical records to take to my upcoming appointment and gave me her contact information.

Total cost of consultation: less than $50.00

Lab:

The labs cost about 25.00.  After a quick lab draw, I was given a lab slip with my record number on it.  I later received an email with my login to access my results.  Since I was headed back to the states, I emailed my results to Dr. Gonzalez, who called me with additional treatment recommendations and an explanation of the results.

Since seeing Dr. Gonzalez, I have been using the medications as prescribed – and my condition has improved dramatically.

Follow-up:

I have been taking the medications as prescribed and it is getting better.  I will email Dr. Gonzalez after seeing the dermatologist here to give her an update.

To make an appointment with Clinica Medellin, click here.