Tag Archives: travel

Heart Surgery Abroad – coming to the big screen?

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Too bad, the independent filmmaker from Tennessee elected to travel to India rather than closer to home (like Latin America.)  Still – it places a lot of what we talk about into context – the affordability (or lack of) life-saving treatments in the United States versus numerous countries abroad..

Interestingly enough – despite making the choice to travel thousands of miles for a huge operation – it doesn’t sound like he throughly researched his surgeons, facilities  etc.  That is certainly troubling as medical tourism has not yet reached the Kayak, or Expedia level for interested travellers.  While I am very happy, relieved, pleased that everything worked out well – this could have easily been a cautionary tale (and loss for medical tourism) as a well-publicized win.

But, I will continue to hope that stories like his will help promote safe medical tourism, through the establishment of standards and regulations for medical tourism promoters.

Colombia and cultural standards of beauty

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This article on Sabotage Times talks about some of the different cultural ideas of beauty – in this case, the cultural and historical appeal of the large behind or bottom in Colombia.  (This is definitely a case of Latin influence on the United States – as this beauty ideal has been rapidly adopted here at home) – leading to an increase in the number of ‘booty enhancement procedures’ for American patients.

These different cultural standards of beauty are also something we have talked about before – and how Latin America is setting the styles for USA and much of the world.  These ideals have been quickly adopted into the mainstream American beauty ideals of the 1990’s and beyond.

(If you remember the late 1070’s and 1980’s – most of us up here in North America [and our mothers] – were out there starving and aerobicizing ourselves to try an obtain the tiny, flat bottom of a 12 year old boy.)

While some of this is undoubtably related to the large population of American residents with hispanic origins and the reflection of their beauty ideals – Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina have long been trend setters for fashion and beauty (which includes plastic surgery.)  This is one of the trends that makes these destinations so popular for plastic surgery.

For more on Bogotá plastic surgeons – see here, here and here.

For more on plastic surgery and ‘booty enhancement’ gone wrong – see here at our sister site.

New article at Eternal Beginning blog

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Eternal Beginning is book review blog by avid reader (and fellow writer), Christine Cunningham.  (It is also the title of her first book.)  Christine was kind enough to feature the Bogota book on her blog.

Clinica Shaio & Dr. Hernando Santos

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Fundacion Clinica Shaio – the first cardiac hospital in Colombia has recently unveiled the updated english-language version of their website, as part of an effort to aid international travelers, and attract medical tourists.  As long time readers know, I spent quite a bit of time at Clinica Shaio, with the Doctors Santos, (and several others).    Now as part of our new podcasting project – we will be sharing one of my favorite surgery videos from the operating room of Dr. Hernando Santos.  (If you’ve spent time here at www.BogotaSurgery.org than this video will be familiar to you.)  To my new readers from iTunes – welcome & enjoy!

Brief introduction to Dr. Hernando Santos, MD.

Bogota Surgery Podcasts

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As part of our continuing efforts to bring medical tourism and travel information to people in a multitude of formats, we are planning to begin a series of podcasts featuring physicians and topics discussed here at Bogotá Surgery.

Come back soon for more information on our latest endeavor.

The road to Monserrate

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no, this isn’t some sort of quasi-poetic allegory, or sophomoric metaphor.  The road to Monserrate – really is a path, or more accurately, the stairs to Monserrate.   Monserrate is a popular tourism destination in Bogotá:  a church set high on the Mountain above the bustling city.  Despite the religious themes, Monserrate appeals to the faithful and the agnostic alike – due to the impressive and expansive views of the valley below.

the view from Monserrate

Traditionally, pilgrims climbed to the top of Monserrate on a worn-down path.  A train and a cable car also served to bring travelers, and tourists to the top of Monserrate.

The new upgrades to the footpath have just been completed – making the walkway more accessible to visitors.

The Bogotá Hilton (located in the financial district) also opened this week.

HIPEC in the news again..

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Another story about bringing HIPEC to the masses – this time in Mumbai, India..  I have to wonder about the research for the article – everytime I see the phrase, “A ray of hope”..  sounds suspiciously like the original title of a certain article (in Colombia Reports.com) all of us are familiar with over here at Bogota Surgery.org.

HIPEC and peritoneal mesothelioma – more effective in women?

Dental care overseas

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As reported in numerous stories, many Americans are travelling to Mexico and other countries for dental care. Ex-pats or Americans living abroad are also seeking dental services.

However, as highlighted in this article – determining the quality of your provider overseas is not easy.  (Of course, it’s not easy to find a good dentist for many of us at home – but that’s a separate issue.)

Evaluating dentists and dental services is different that evaluating other health care providers – due to the nature of the service.  Unlike most surgical procedures – most dental procedures do not require anesthesia, (which means that they can be evaluated on a first-person basis).  Of course – for my colleagues who assisted me in writing Bogotá! – it meant quite a bit of time in the dentist’s chair..

Free trade, Colombia and Medical Tourism

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A new trade agreement between the United States and Colombia may usher in a new era of economic growth and strengthen political ties between the two nations.

As reported in Colombia Reports, Colombia’s biggest English language news source, while some experts caution that parts of this trade agreement may temporarily lower prices of some Colombian goods – other economic forecasters believe that this will bring financial growth and economic stability to both countries. In this webpage from US Government trade officials – the proposed benefits of this alliance our outlines – with job creation as a number one priority. I have contacted Ellie Shay at the Office of the United States Trade Representative for further comment on how this new agreement will impact medical tourism and travel to Colombia, and am awaiting a  response.

What will this new trade agreement mean for medical consumers and medical travel, if anything?  The Huffington Post previously predicted big wins for Colombia (2010, July) but is it too early to tell what impact this will have on the burgeoning medical tourism industry?

We’ll keep this story updated as it develops.

 

 

The App Store: Android Market

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For anyone traveling to Bogotá or Cartagena, I have created some FREE mobile apps for Android phones. (Still working on iTunes versions).  These apps contain maps, local resources, travel links, and emergency information.  Where to go if you are experiencing chest pain?  Got you covered.. Where to stay?  also covered.. Cheapest flights – in the app..  Where to get a good meal – it’s in there too.. The apps will also keep you connected to the blog where I post all updates to the books, and news about the destination.

Bogotá Apps:
Bogotá Surgery – primarily based on the blog – for those who can’t stand to miss a post.

The Bogotá Companion– maps, travel resources and references, emergency information.

Cartagena app:
The Cartagena Companion – chock full of information, including short videos about Cartagena.

You don’t have to be a medical tourist to enjoy these apps – best thing is, they are all FREE..

Interview with Dr. Catalina Morales, Plastic & Hand Surgeon

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Met with the very nice Dr. Catalina Morales yesterday evening to talk about Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery.. Oh – and did I mention hand and maxillofacial surgery..

She’s very enjoyable to interview because she’s one of those people who really finds pleasure in what she does..  She likes to help people with reconstructive surgery, and she enjoys the satisfaction her aesthetic practice gives her patients..

Planning to go to the OR with her today – so we will re-visit the smiling, talented Dr. Morales later this afternoon..

Update:  In the operating room with Dr. Catalina Morales, at Clinica de Marly  7 May 2011

Dr. Catalina Morales at Clinica de Marly

Dr. Morales at Clinica de Marly during hand surgery

I also interviewed Dr. Casallas Gomez over at Santa Fe de Bogota, read about it in another post..

Meeting of the minds – thoracic surgery

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Attended the monthly thoracic surgery meeting led by Dr. Juan Carlos Garzon yesterday for case discussions.. Several interesting cases presented.  More importantly, I met and set up interviews with the last few thoracic surgeons; Dr. Beltran and Dr. Rodolfo Barrios (that I hadn’t met previously).  Should be an interesting week in the south end of the city..

On the topic of thoracic surgery – I am soliciting articles from thoracic surgeons, and other practitioners on the site – not just here in Bogota, but from around the world as part of the mission of the site.  I’ve already had some great feedback from some American surgeons.

Over at cartagena surgery we are talking about the recent announcement by the International Diabetes Federation on treatment recommendations for diabetes including the endorsement of Bariatric Surgery.

In the OR with Dr. Mauricio Largacha, Orthopedic Surgeon

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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

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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

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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

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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 Medellin

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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!

A day of Passion!

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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

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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

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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

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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

Back in the OR with Ivan Santos

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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.)

In the OR with Dr. Freddy Sanabria, plastic surgeon

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Dr. Sanabria

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

Dr. Santos, almost Dr. Hoyos and Dr. Castro

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Full day today – met with Dr. Hernando Santos at Clinica Shaio – and I’ll be heading to the OR with him on Monday..

 Dr. Hoyos – he was in surgery when I arrived for our appointment, so I’ll try again soon..

Spent the evening with Dr. (Jose) Felix Castro, a very nice general surgeon, on staff at Clinica del Country.. Followed him to the OR for a case –