Greetings from Dr. Hernandez
Warm greetings to our patients and the community which we serve. It’s hard to believe that we are now well into the second month of the year. We would like to wish you all happiness, health, and wellness in 2023.
While writing this first newsletter of 2023, I was reviewing past newsletters. Things have certainly changed in the past year or 2. In the Feb. 2021 we were very excited to announce our opening of CHAPALA MED II in Riberas and my collaboration and position in opening Riberas Medical Center Hospital and serving as its Medical Director. Since then due to changes in logistics and staff we were forced to close Chapala Med II. And due to a change in administration and a very different philosophy in management and growth of the hospital, I stepped down from the position of Medical Director. Recently I was made aware of an email circulated to leaders of the EXPAT and Mexican Community members as well as several posts on social media regarding various negative issues with the hospital operation and administration by what appears to be a disgruntled physician who recently worked there and several patients who recently sought emergency care there. I cannot repudiate the allegations in that email. Furthermore Chapala Med and our entire medical team have no current active or collaborative role with the RMC hospital proper and do not plan to do so until the current administration changes. We understand that there are still a couple of people who were employed at Chapala Med who still work there and they do so of their own prerogative. These ex employees DO NOT exemplify the ethical and professional standards that members of our team have come to be known for. Most of my patients have voiced their opinions and have told me they will never opt to go there. It saddens me to see such a badly needed and worthwhile project in the span of only 12-18 months gain such a negative reputation in the community.
Meanwhile I have had an active collaboration with the opening of new branch of HOSPITAL JOYA. Hospital Joya was founded by my friends, Dr. Armando Joya and Julio Carbajal in Puerto Vallarta and has expanded drastically in cities such as Cancun, Tijuana, Queretaro, San Miguel de Allende and soon in Zapopan. Not being bound to any one specific hospital has really given me the freedom to offer my patients the best and most trustworthy options for hospitalization and medical procedures at various hospitals in the area which still include San Javier, Puerta de Hierro, Real San Jose, Country 2000 and now Hospital Joya in addition to others. So, my patients will have access to hospitals that will suit their needs regarding insurance policies (national and international) or if they self insure.
This past February 5th the Rotary Club of Ajijic and SALVATI Guadalajara A.C. sponsored a BREAST CANCER SCREENING campaign for women ages 40-69 or those who have elevated risk factors. Chapala Med and its staff actively helped in the project. It was free of charge for all, including follow up care and guidance for those with a suspicious test result. I wanted it to be clear that this campaign was meant to increase breast cancer awareness and not to promote business for Chapala Med. We had about 40 women who were screened from the area. The next date for screening at Plaza Interlago will be on May 5th, 2023 from 8 am – 6 pm. Let our staff know if you or know somebody who may be interested in this free screening project.
On a much happier and lighter note, for the past 2 years our patients and our team have been blessed by the incorporation of Dr. Cesar Alfonso Garcia to our team as a GP. He has been granted a residency position in Geriatrics in Ciudad Juarez and will be starting at the beginning of March. He has since left to prepare his living accommodations in that city. His calm, quiet and humble demeanor provided comfort and peace of mind to all who were under his care. He will be missed by our staff and our patients alike. He will always have a place at Chapala Med.
As always, I’d like to remind our readers of our MISSION STATEMENT so that you are all aware of what we are striving to accomplish everyday and hold us to this mission.
Yours in health,
Santiago Hernandez M.D.
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