Name: Dr. Jacobo Zafrani

Specialty: Weight loss / laparoscopic and general surgeries

Languages spoken: Spanish / English

Professional Experience:

• General and bariatric surgeon at Hospital Clinica Biblica since March, 2004
• Total surgeries 1,800, with 350 being inguinal hernia procedures. He performs approximately 150 bariatric type surgeries per year including 40 gastric sleeve procedures.

Education:

• Dr. Jacobo Zafrani Graduated from the University of Costa Rica in January, 2004 with a specialty in General Surgery.
• Dr. Jacobo Zafrani is in the second year of his doctoral thesis (medical science investigation) withSalamancaUniversity.
• Sleeve Gastrectomy training with Dr. Garnier (known as the “Father of Sleeve Gastrectomy”) at Cornell University in New York. 2005

• Basic training and course work in laparascopic surgery procedures, Cendeis.
• Advanced training and course work in laparascopic surgery procedures, UNNE,Corrientes,Argentina.
• Training and course work in laparoscopic colorectal surgery, UNNE,Corrientes,Argentina.
• Training and course work in gastric banding (Inhamed), Panamá.
• Training and course work in gastric sleeve procedures, NY USA.
• VAC,Panama.
• Post graduate training in bariatric surgery, ALACE 2006.
• Coordinated the first training seminar for advanced laparascopic surgery procedures inSan José,Costa Rica.

Memberships & Affiliations:

• College of Physicians and Surgeons
• MedicalUnion.
• Society of Costa Rican Surgeons
• Latin American Association of Endoscopic Surgeons
• Association of International Surgeons
• IFSO (the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity)

Name: Dr. Alberto Arguello Specialties: Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery Languages: Spanish / English and French

Professional Experience:

• 2005 – Currently Private Plastic Surgeon in the Hospital Clínica Bíblica
• 2005 – 2006 Medical Assistant in Reconstructive Surgery – HospitalMexico.
• 2002 – 2005 Physician resident of Plastic Surgery in the Instituto Jaliscience
• de Cirugia Reconstructiva.
• Approximate number of surgeries: 12,500

Education:

• 2005 Universidad de Guadalajara Reconstructive and Plastic Surgeon Specialist
• 2001 Universidad de Costa Rica General Surgeon Specialist
• 1995 Universidad de Costa Rica MD Medicine and Surgery
• 1995 Universidad de Costa Rica Degree’sMedicine and Surgery
• 1995 Universidad de Costa Rica Bachelor’s Medical Sciences

Memberships & Affiliations:

• President of the Association of Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery ofCosta Rica.

• Secretary General of the Costa Rican Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, ACCPRE since Oct 2005.
• International Member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, ASAPS
• International Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery, ASPS
• Active Member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, ISAPS
• International Editor of the Official Publication of ASAPS, the Aesthetic Surgery Journal

NAME

Dr. Claudio Orlich Castelán

SPECIALTY

Urology

EDUCATION AND TRAINING

*1980 Urology Assistant, Kidney Transplant Program manager at the San Juan de Dios Hospital (Social Security Hospital)

*1979 Assistant Specialist in Urology at the San Juan de Dios Hospital,San José.

*1975 to 1979 Post-graduate studies with Urology Specialty at Mayo Clinic in

Rochester,Minnesota

*1975 Social Service Practice, Director of the Mobil Unit in Puriscal with the

Ministry of Health.

*1974 Doctor in Medicine and Surgery at theUniversityofCosta Rica.

*1968 to 1969 Pre-medicine studies at theUniversityofCosta Rica.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

*July1st toAug. 31 2007Rotating Service in Laparoscopic Urological Surgery

with Dr. Octavio Castillo at the Santa María Cinical Hospital inSantiago,Chile.

*Dec. 2004 to Jan. 2005 Basic Actualization course in Radiological protection.  Department of Radiology at the San Juan de Dios Hospital (Social Security Hospital).

*Feb. to March 2003 Session in laparoscopic urological surgery.  Urology Service.  San Juan de Dios Hospital.

*Nov. 2 to Jan. 2003 Strategic Planification Course.  ACCESO Foundation.

*July to Dec. 2001 University teaching course. UniversityofCosta Rica.

*Aug. 2000 Strategy course, leadership and population management and reproductive health. JohnsHopkinsUniversity. SchoolofHygieneand Public Health.

Baltimore,Maryland.

*Oct. 1998 to Jan. 1999 Computer Courses.  Word, Excel and Windows.  Latinamerican Intitute of Computers.

*Dec. 1996 Colaborative Instructive Course of a penis prothesis for the sexual impotent.

Southwest impotence center.  Van BuerenArkansas.UniversityofArkansas.

*Oct. to Nov. 1996 Basic CPR and First Aid.  AutonomousCollegeofMedicalSciences ofCentral America.

MEMBERSHIPS AND CERTIFICATIONS

*2005 to 2006 Member of the Board of Director’s of the IPPF (InternationalPlanned Parenthood Federation) with headquarters inNew York.

*2000 Member of the Board of Director’s of the Costa Rican Demographic Association and of Pro-family Association.

*2004 to 2006.  President of the two associations mentioned above.

*1995 Member of the University Surgery Professor’s at the San Juan de Dios Hospital at theUniversityofCosta Ricaas Associated Professor.

*1990 to 1992 President of the Costa Rican Association in Urology.

*1989 to 1993 Member of the Editorial Committee of the Minutes Magazine of the Costa RicanCollegeofPhysician’s and Surgeon’s.

*1988 to 1989 Vice-President of the Costa Rican Association in Urology.

*1987 Member of the Editorial Committee of the Medical Bulletin of the Costa Rican Demographic Association.

*1986 Member of the Costa Rican Demographic Association.

*Member of the American Federation of Urology

*Active member of the Central South Section of the American Association in Urology.

*1979 to Present. Member of the Ex-alumni Association of the Mayo Clinic.

*1975 Licensed to practice Medicine in the State ofMinnesota

*Certified by the Education Council of graduated physician’s, to practice medicine in the exterior.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Publications: (53)

1)Orlich C.. The Masculine Factor in Sterile Spouse.  Bibliographical Revision.

Rev. Med. Of  C.R.. 1983,485:135-137.

2)Ureterocalycostomy used in case of an ureteropielonefritis obstruction, associated with infundibula stenosis and urinary lithiasis.  Rev. Med. Of C.R. 1986,497:133-134.

3)Experience with radical prostatectomy in the management of early stages of prostate cancer at the San Juan de Dios Hospital.  Rev. Med. Of C.R. 1986,496:109-110.

4)Orlich C. Diverticulum of the feminine Urethra.  A report of four cases.

Rev. Med. of C.R. 1988,503:43-45.

5)Orlich C. Extra six years of life of hypernephroma with tumoral thrombus at the cava vein and the right auricle.  Minutes. Med. of C.R. 1991,3:118-120.

6)Actualizations in the diagnostic and treatment of prostate cancer.  Rev. Med. of C.R. 1992,520:123-125.

Considered to be one of the most attractive global destinations for medical tourism, Cost Rica is proud to be the host on the third annual medical Travel summit in the capital city of San Jose. The Summit that happens annually will be held on April 23-25 at the well appointed Real International Hotel in Escazu, Costa Rica which is close to the nightlife, excellent shopping, and a variety of international and local dining options. The third medical Travel conference which is being organized by the Costa Rican Tourism Board and the Council for the International Promotion of Costa Rica Medicine (PROMED) is expected to break the attendance record on the previous summit which has attended by more than 500 people that represent the 15 nations of North America, Europe, Asia, Caribbean, and Latin America. The early registration for the 2012

Medical Travel Summit is open as early as December 31, 2011. The early bird registration costs at about $300 each person for PROMED members and $350 for those who are non members. The registration pricing from January to April will be $400 for PROMED members and $450 for those who are not. Event registration is also available online. The third annual medical travel summit is a must attend event for purchasers and providers of health care in the North America, South America, and Central America. This summit will be the place where all of the major players in the field of medical and healthcare tourism gather around, forge relationship, and generate plans and ideas in order to promote medical tourism. The Summit will bring together the healthcare providers with the global health insurance companies and the leading facilitators to create an event for everyone in the medical tourism industry.

Leading regional and international speakers will offer their valuable seminars and workshops for the attendees to learn and expand their knowledge and understanding in the industry of medical tourism. The Summit will include workshops like medical tourism marketing and becoming a medical tourism facilitator. The third annual summit is a remarkable opportunity for the medical tourism to learn about the incredible opportunities in the global healthcare and to meet the industry of the medical tourism from United States, Latin America and all over the world. Here you will learn why Costa Rica has become the leading healthcare destination for Canadians and Americans who are in need of a high quality medical and dental care at an affordable price. Costa Rica has impressed the North Americans with the high quality and affordable healthcare.

Discover why medical travel Costa Rica is the leading favorite medical tourism destination in the entire Latin America and the world. Tour in the Cost Rica’s leading healthcare facilities and see why Costa Rica is not only the happiest place but the healthiest country in the world. The Costa Rica healthcare opportunities are gaining importance in the medical industry because of the problems of the US healthcare system which strives to provide the best facilities at an affordable price.

Cosmetic Dental to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is quite close to the United States and this makes travelling for dental care very hassle free. Many major cities in the United States have daily non-stop flights to Costa Rica. Dental prostheses and equipment in the dental clinics of Costa Rica are similar as those used in the United States. As a matter of fact the equipments are imported from the United States. People going to Dental Implants Costa Rica are amazed at the level of the personal treatments. As the dental clinics of Costa Rica have a lot of experience in treating the tourists, they have able to think of many things that you have not thought of and that all your needs are met. Dental implants are a permanent way to replace the missing teeth and in Costa Rica you can find them at a very affordable price. Both single and two stages are used in the country. Single stage teeth implants can priced for as low as $600 per implant.

Your smile plays a lot of vital roles. It is an invitation and a way to express how you feel. A beautiful and confident smile spells success and can lead to various opportunities in both your professional and personal life. The smile is the first thing that people notice about you. And they often make a judgment about your personality based on your smile. No matter how old you are or where you work, a great smile is one of your assets that allow you to feel confident in your professional and social relationships. And now dental surgery is counted as both fashion and health. The cosmetic surgery can give you the appearance that provides you with the satisfaction and confidence forever through the highest quality of procedures. Costa Rica is now becoming more oral friendly as it has developed a lot of professional experts in dental implant and many more oral care related fields. The Costa Rica’s dental specialist offer a wide range of services that include porcelain crown, professional teeth whitening, oral surgery, and dental implants to the most amazing transformations of your smile that you can imagine. Costa Rica offers a lot of experts in orthodontics and endodontic who can treat you with loyalty. Dental surgery usually costs too high as it is part of a cosmetic surgery but it cost less in Costs Rica.

Costa Rica has always been the destination of choice for many Americans seeking for Affordable surgery in Costa Rica from facelift, brow lift, tummy tuck, and dental services such as veneers, teeth whitening, root canals, and bridges. Lately, Costa Rica is flourishing to be the hot medical tourism destination for their serious medical procedures too. The cost advantage is the major factor driving the uninsured Americans to Costa Rica. This is the reason why they Medical Travel to Costa Rica. Savings as much as 70% or more compared to the United States and Canada. Not only that, the service offered in Costa Rica meets the international standards with doctors who were trained in the United States or United Kingdom.

Surgery in Costa Rica

The United States health care system is possibly the most inefficient in the world. Americans spend twice as much per person on health care as other advanced countries, but Americans have worse health outcomes which include a lower life expectancy. The government through programs like Medicare pays for approximately half of the country’s health care and almost all of the private sectors are provided by it. Health care costs has been rising for several years and the expenditures on health care surpassed $2.3 trillion in 2008, more than three times the $714 billion spent in the year 1990. The stemming growth has become the United States’ major policy priority as the Americans are increasingly struggling to keep up with their health care costs. There is a general agreement that health care costs are likely to continue to rise in the future so the president of the United States has made control of their health reform under way.

Over the past decades, the public sector health care in Canada is spending increasingly. With an average annual growth rate of 7.4% over the period of 1999 to 2009, the rapid rise of their public health care is exceedingly spending by far of 4.5% the average annual GDP growth rate. Health care spending consumed over 40% of some of the provincial budgets in 2009. According to their estimates that some of the provinces could be spending in excess of 50% of their budget on health care as early as the year 2020.

Despite the advances of these two countries, costs are still high that is why they choose to have medical travel to Costa Rica. Costa Rica is the home of the most highly trained physicians that provide quality health, dental, and cosmetic surgery care and serves Costa Rica Medical Tourism as a fraction of the most visited country compared to the United States and Canada. While the health care cost is skyrocketing out of control in the United States, the Costa Rican medical tourism has become a very attractive option for the consumers who are seeking for a quality care at an affordable price. Because of the close proximity of Costa Rica to the United States, the country attracts almost 20,000 Americans each year. Costa Rica is only 2 and a half hours and flights are very inexpensive.

Costa Rica's Medical tourism

Costa Rican Medical tourism is a very attractive option for those patients who are seeking for quality health care at an affordable price. While many of the medical tourism facilitators recommend medical trip halfway around the world to places such as Thailand, Korea, and India, the Costa Rican medical care focuses only on those excellent care that are available in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is only hours away from the major cities in the United States. The medical providers offer modern protocols and technologies. The prices in Cost Rica are much different compared to other competitive countries like United States and Canada. Costa Rica is the only country in the whole world where 100% of their private hospitals have earned the JCI accreditation. Moreover, the government of Costa Rica has taken an active role in promoting the quality and regulation of their medical tourism. Costa Rica is just few hours away from major cities in United States, not to exceed 20 hours of trip. The country’s medical and dental providers have been hosting international patients for many years now and they provide welcoming and comforting environment for them.      

Medical care in the capital city of Costa Rica is adequate at their public hospitals but super in their private hospitals. The areas outside San Jose have more limited medical care services and the road conditions increase driving times to hospitals for routine and critical medical care like Emergency medical travel.  Local ambulances are usually the first responders to accidents that are equipped to handle emergencies. Supplemental medical insurance with some specific overseas coverage like provision for medical evacuation has been useful for many emergencies. Costa Rica employs 911 emergency assistance systems and is best in the Latin America.

Internationally accredited medical care is finally in Guanacaste and this defines the giant leap in the marketability of the region both as the retirement destination and medical travel but more importantly, as a true long term alternative choice for life style for many of the North Americans. The country is known for the excellent medical care and all the wonderful things that can be found on the place and is complemented by the development of the international accredited hospital.

For visitors who are looking for emergency medical care in Costa Rica, the public health system in the region will cover you in the event of an emergency. The pharmacies in Costa Rica are all staffed by pharmacists who can easily diagnose and treat many problems. And if you have forgotten your important medication then many medicines are available at the pharmacy with no prescription needed.

Hip Replacement Surgeries

The procedure of hip replacement was first done in the year 1960 and is considered as one of the most important advances in medicine over the last decades. In the United States alone there are over 193,000 hip replacements done every year. That number is sure to raise as the technology advances that make the surgery more appealing. The surgery is most often done to treat osteoarthritis to treat pain relief.           

Hip Replacement in Costa Rica is done the same way as it is done in the United States and Canada. In Costa Rica you will get the same process, same equipment, same clean state of the art facility and even same in the prosthesis. The big difference will be the cost, the personal attention that you will certainly receive, and the amount of time you need to wait. The Orthopedic Surgery costs at an average rate of $8,000 to $150,000. The cost of a total hip placement varies depending upon where it is performed. In Costa Rica the waiting time is only as long as it takes you to get the region compared to the wait time in other countries and the personal attention you can get is some of the best that you will find worldwide. In Canada you will wait over 3 years. Surprisingly, Costa Rica is popular in hip replacement surgery because you can save money, recover in a fantastic tropical region of Costa Rica, and avoid waiting for a long time. Plus the surgeries are performed by the best doctors that have experience of several successful hip procedures. Many of these doctors have worked in Europe and USA.