Ok, I admit it, I am rather humble and don’t toot my own horn much, but… as the Advocate I see myself as, and the advocate and consultant I am often asked to BE because I HAVE actually been doing this for so long, I can see more and more that I and others like myself, running Patient-Care-Centered Medical CONCIERGE Services, need to! In fact, I start TODAY and declare myself a MEDICAL TOURISM EXPERT. =) I have not only had the actual personal experience of having plastic surgery reconstruction after Massive Weight Loss in Brazil myself and can share what I know, but over the last 5 years, I have immersed myself in the rather unique Brazilian plastic surgery techniques through the surgeons I know. I can and have consulted and counseled not only…- HUNDREDS OF PATIENTS on particular medical procedures and techniques that I have either experienced myself (as a patient) or been thoroughly orientated on by various surgeons who specialize in not only the very specific niche of Plastic Surgery reconstruction after massive weight loss, but many other surgical procedures and techniques as well. - I have learned so much because I have sat with MANY excellent Brazilian plastic surgeons for hundreds of HOURS total over these years, speaking to them in their own language, picking their brain as they explained their unique techniques and WHY they use the techniques they do, and how they are different than those of many of their colleagues from the USA, etc and I have eagerly SHARED this information with others that would otherwise not have access to this knowledge and expertise. - In consulting with VARIOUS SURGEONS, I will even say that I have personally helped to evolve the techniques of post op WLS reconstruction by sitting side by side with hundreds of patients and seeing the recovery, the issues, the healing, the complications, the results using certain techniques. With my own understanding of Plastic Surgery and analyzing these results and outcomes with the surgeons, I have asked them to “think outside the box” as they attempt to graciously provide us with bodies we can be proud of. They prove their dedication and attention to Body Contouring as their techniques have evolved rapidly and eagerly in dealing with our post-op reconstruction cases. Staying for an extended period of time (2 to 6 weeks) and having constant support staff/visitors to their room, it has been necessary to actually choose the most medically appropriate and comfortable lodging for recovery in the post op period. I have worked closely with… - Large international hotel chains about what the (MY) medical tourist needs and expects in appropriate long and short term post-op accommodations. I have helped to identify which, if any, of their standard amenities would need to be modified and the kind of accommodations most appropriate for the ultimate comfort and ease of our patients. - Also, having been in Hotel Administration for many years, I am also very conscious and aware of the additional costs the HOTEL should expect to see increase in catering to and hosting the foreign medical tourist coming for a long term stay and perhaps multiple surgery stages. - Site inspections for other Medical Tourism companies helping to show the inappropriateness of certain types, locations, and features of “Recovery Retreats” in regards to optimal patient healing, risk of exposure to infection and increased chance of post-op complications due DIRECTLY to lodging accommodations, access and location. We even need to take into consideration, the nutritional content and value of the 3 daily meals that are often provided at these “retreats” that obviously contribute to the patient’s ability to heal.- Analysis of how the ABSENCE of an organized infrastructure of daily, surgeon mandated, post op nursing, appropriate wound care and a simple 24/7 “Hotline” providing reliable contact and knowledgeable support for the patient can negatively impact the experience of the patient and consequently, affect their healing not only on a physical level but just as importantly on an emotional level. Please see this link: http://www.mednetbrazil.com/how_avoid_experience2.htmlThe “Medical Tourism Guidelines” now being issued and adopted by such organizations as the American Society of Plastic Surgery and others were actually recognized and made Standard Protocol with my patients and providers since day one of my Medical Concierge Service’s inception more than 5 years ago. Please see this link: http://www.mednetbrazil.com/asps_recommendations.html
We know who we are… WE have actually made this Medical Tourism Industry a reality, tangible, measurable and hence people can “research,” pick our brains and call themselves “experts.” And although not always as profitable as everyone thinks, we have identified a market, catered to a desire, provided support for a need that 98% of its consumers don’t even KNOW they WILL need, (and this NEED is still being GROSSLY overlooked by insurance companies and other administrators now looking to send patients abroad, but that’s ANOTHER blog by itself! LOL!) and satisfied a need for ALL the individuals involved, be it the patient, the surgeon, the hotel the patient stays at, etc. We have literally held the hand of our patients through absolutely EVERY aspect of this journey and insisted on making it SAFE, medically responsible, appropriate and COMPLETE! We are doing what we love, helping to transform and empower lives and give back and yes, even “pay it forward.”
More to come… =)
