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Let's Go2Vallarta - Articles Dr. Ricardo Alfredo López Márquez – Interview
Few travelers know that when health matters or an emergency occurs. Puerto Vallarta is prepared to care for them just as well, or in some cases, even better than in their places of origin. Our destination presently features a great number of specialists ready to provide their professional services, among them Dr. Ricardo Alfredo López Márquez stands out, a traumatologist, orthopedics-surgeon born in this port who has been practicing his specialty for over ten years. He is a graduate from the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Mexico and has worked at the Hospital de Traumatología y Ortopedia of the IMSS (Mexican Institute of Social Security) in Puebla. Dr. Ricardo Alfredo presently practices privately at the Medasist Hospital as well as in the area of municipal medical services of Puerto Vallarta. Given the fact that he stands out as a vallartense making a difference in our destination among a niche of foreign patients who openly praise and recommend him, we were curious to interview him to learn more about his specialty and how it benefits our visitors. Q: Doctor Ricardo… what is a traumatologist, orthopedics-surgeon?
Q: Why is it important for our foreign visitors to know that in Puerto Vallarta there is a traumatologist, orthopedics-surgeon? A: Taking our city’s geographic characteristics into consideration, any person – and specially our foreign visitors – is not exempt from the possibility of suffering an accident which may expose them to muscle-skeleton alterations. We also care for foreign patients residing here who have orthopedic alterations due to their age, a traumatic accident or a fracture whose treatment did not produce the desired results. Among foreign residents we treat those who have had knee surgery or knee or hip replacements, as well as simple fractures treated by surgery or immobilized by a cast; we certainly have a full time job caring for both, temporary and permanent residents. Q: What is your experience like, with them as patients? A: It is genuinely very interesting because the foreign patient is generally more trusting when you meet with them face to face to tell them what it is they have. In fact, they are more trusting than my own compatriots! Foreigners hold personal contact in high esteem and when we show them x-rays and present them with all resources they respond with full trust in what we share with them, our diagnose and recommendations. I have been able to cement magnificent friendships with many of my patients, in fact, when other types of problems arise they resort to me for orientation and counsel, it is a wonderful and huge responsibility to honorably respond to their trust.
A: I deal with emergencies on a daily basis, be it for just a broken finger or toe, a fall, an ankle, a bruise or a concussion from car accident, etc. This type of accidents happens most frequently on the beach or on the streets. The main reason is: our first time visitors are not used to our steep sidewalks or walking on cobble-stone. All here is quite different from their places of origin. There are of course other types of accidents affecting their bones or joints, but those mentioned before are the most common. Q: Considering all the technological advances In your field of work, how is Puerto Vallarta doing, compared with the largest cities in the United States and Canada? A: As far as technology is concerned, here in Puerto Vallarta we share the same standards as in those countries. To mention some examples: to diagnose any muscle-skeleton problem, we have computerized tomography and magnetic resonance, which are the most advanced; as well as digital x-rays performed here in the hospital. We also have fluoroscopy imaging equipment by which we can perform non-invasive surgery; patients here have already been operated with this technique. We have also received recognitions and praise from American doctors. I can tell you there is no difference in technology and the operating rooms where we work are equipped with the latest features, some of our patients are surprised to discover that many times the technology we use is more advanced than that of their larger health centers. I am, besides a traumatologist, orthopedics-surgeon, a joint-replacement surgeon. The joint replacement is done when the joint no longer functions and we must bring it back to work; then we place a new prosthesis in the knee or the hip, so our patients can continue to perform their activities without pain or limitations. I deal with a lot of knee and hip joint replacements. I have a considerable number of Mexican and foreign patients whose knees and hips I have operated who have had very good experiences here in Puerto Vallarta. I can share with you that I am the one who operates the most knees here in Vallarta. My experience with them has allowed me to present these cases in my conferences in various Mexican states. I have a great advantage as whenever I perform a surgery I have the support of my associate,
A: Our costs are definitely more affordable. Many patients – mainly those without medical insurance – come to Mexico looking for surgery or treatment at lower costs. Of course costs vary depending on the problem to be treated, be it a sprained ankle or a third-level surgery. Third-level surgeries are those which can be performed at the most advanced hospitals in Mexico and the United States; those are the treatments and surgery we perform in our hospital here in Puerto Vallarta. In fact, for a great number of patients from the United States it is much more convenient to come down for surgery and rehabilitation with their whole family, to then return to their country and continue their treatment. To have this kind of surgery in our hospital represents a savings of 30% to 40% approximately. Q: Taking your experience with foreign patients into account, what message would you convey to the traveler planning to visit Puerto Vallarta? A: That Puerto Vallarta, besides friendship, adventure and fun, offers also relaxation, and in case of need, we, the doctors are here to take care of them professionally. We have the latest technological advances at the disposal of your and your family’s health. Please remember that Puerto Vallarta is your home and our purpose is to care for you even better than at your own home. In Puerto Vallarta we have the experience to deal with any traumatology and orthopedic problem with full certainty and confidence. Dr. Ricardo, thank you very much for granting us the time and space to celebrate this interview. We recognize you for your excellent work which is contributing in a special manner for our destination to be recognized as a trustworthy place where our visitors as well as our foreign residents —when required— are treated and cared for with warmth and professionalism. Email to a friend• Dr. Ricardo Alfredo López Márquez Jesús e Avila
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A: A traumatologist, orthopedics-surgeon is a doctor in charge of surveying and correcting all muscle-skeleton alterations. Orthopedics comes as prosthesis and surgeries. Traumatology is in charge of correcting muscle-skeleton alterations from accidents or traumatisms.
Q: What can you tell us about the frequency of foreign visitors’ visits due to emergencies?
Q: What can you tell us about costs?
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