By Ron Johnson, M.D., F.A.C.S., Chief Medical Officer, Satori World Medical

David G. Jaimovich, M.D. is the President and Founder of Quality Resources International, the former Chief Medical Officer and Vice President for International Accreditation Services for Joint Commission Resources (JCR) and Joint Commission International (JCI), and a member of the Medical Quality Advisory Board of Satori World Medical.  I recently interviewed Dr. Jaimovich about his role at JCI, his new company and international quality in general.

Satori:  How is your role at Quality Resources International different from your work at JCI?

Dr. Jaimovich:  At JCI I was in charge of International Accreditation: surveying against standards of quality and patient safety.  JCI Standards address key issues relevant to medical travel, including evidence of quality and professional competence, and accreditation provides objective validation and serves as a benchmark, assisting patients in medical travel decision-making.  I am now involved in consulting, developing quality and performance improvement programs and patient safety initiatives as they relate to accreditation and improving the safety of patients in the hospital setting.  It is a more creative role, going beyond meeting standards to continuous improvement in quality and safety.

Satori:  Tell us about Quality Resources International.

Dr. Jaimovich:  Our mission is to collaborate with the healthcare community around the world, to help public and private entities improve the quality and safety of health services through education, consultation, technical assistance, practical tools and guidance.  We provide advisory services to Ministries of Health, we prepare organizations for accreditation, and we provide quality management information systems to evaluate the success of interventional changes, to show continuous improvement.  That is a big issue: sustainability of improvements.  We are also developing a fundamental framework for healthcare quality: this is a distillation of the fundamental elements of the standards from JCI and other national accrediting organizations, such as Trent, Accreditation Canada and the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards.

Satori:  You have travelled widely, been involved with the evaluation of many hospitals and other healthcare organizations worldwide.  What is your view of the level of patient care – quality and safety – at the best international healthcare facilities, such as Satori World Medical’s International Centers of Excellence – and would you be comfortable receiving care at these facilities yourself? 

Dr. Jaimovich:  Quality and safety are now front and center for many hospitals and healthcare systems around the world.  There is a tremendous drive, a “tsunami” of quality and safety.  US hospitals have been doing this for a long time, there has been a plateau for some.  International facilities are on a steep curve, a big push coming from the World Health Organization, Ministries of Health – and Tourism -, payers, and multinational companies.  For myself, I would have no reservations about having surgery or other care at international facilities that meet high quality and safety standards, have transparent validated results and who have been accredited by an international accrediting organization.

Satori:  Thank you Dr. Jaimovich.  More information about Dr. Jaimovich and Quality Resources International is available at www.qrintl.com  More about Satori World Medical is available at www.satoriworldmedical.com.

By Kevin Poling, Director of Travel & Customer Service

Due to the high costs of plastic surgery in the U.S., many Americans are now packing their bags and heading to exotic destinations to have surgery at a fraction of the cost of what they would pay here in the states.

Countries all over the world such as Costa Rica, Thailand, Mexico, and Brazil are world-renowned for their medical care. Plastic surgery is no exception. What’s the difference between cosmetic surgery in the U.S. and say in Thailand? One word, cost. The U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world, including plastic surgery. Average savings on care can be as much a 50% when compared with the U.S., while the quality of the care delivered rivals that of top U.S. hospital institutions.

The trend of medical tourism, Americans traveling outside the U.S. for medical care is becoming more common. Let’s look at the top plastic surgery procedures for these medical tourists:

• Breast augmentation: Involves using implants for fuller breasts or to restore breast volume due to a mastectomy following breast cancer or other illness.

• Tummy Tuck: A tummy tuck, also commonly referred to as abdominoplasty, is whereby excess fat and skin from the abdominal area is surgically removed. Tummy tucks are a type of procedure typically for medical tourists seeking weight loss and a tighter, slimmer waistline.

• Facelift: Facelifts are another common procedure for those looking to reduce wrinkles and the aging of the face and neck. Facelifts are popular among both men and women.

• Eyebrow Lift: An eyebrow lift is a surgical procedure designed to make an individual’s brow line and forehead regions more youthful. Both men and women (45-70 years of age) are common candidates for an eyebrow lift.

• Rhinoplasty: Rhinoplasty is a procedure sought after by women and men of all ages who want to improve the shape and look of their nose. Rhinoplasty involves reshaping an individual’s nose surgically to achieve a more attractive look. Rhinoplasty is commonly performed in many hospitals and cosmetic surgery specialty centers around the world.

If you are interested in saving as much as 50% on your next cosmetic procedure, consider becoming a medical tourist. You can get the same high quality care you desire without breaking the bank.

For more information about Satori World Medical’s Plastic Surgery Global Network, visit http://www.satoriworldmedical.com/plastics/

By Kevin Poling, Director of Travel of Satori World Medical

Satori World Medical offers many choices in destinations to receive medical care. Whether you are traveling internationally for a shoulder or knee replacement or even a cosmetic procedure, such as a facelift, you and your companion can take some extra time on your trip to enjoy the amenities of your hotel and experience the rich cultural areas in which our International Centers of Excellence are located.

The fifth of the destination cities of the Satori Global Network™ I am highlighting is New Delhi, the capitol city of India.

Your ‘to do list’ while in New Delhi:

• Visit the Akshardham Temple on the outer edge of the city
• Take a spin at Connaught Place
• Go watch the Dances of India – a nightly performance of regional dance
• Make your rounds shopping at Ansal Plaza
• Explore the back alleys of Chandni Chowk for great value on jewelry and more

Transportation

New Delhi is a planned city, and thus, has a vast web of efficient public transportation. Private vehicles make up less than a third of the total transportation demand within the city! There are over 15 subways, over 2,700 bus stops, and a metro railway that can get commuters from place to place quickly. Delhi’s bus system is the largest fleet of environmentally friendly buses in the world. Taxis are also readily available, however aren’t as widely used because the public transport is so easy to get along with. Rental car services are also widely available.

Shopping

Shop for great deals on designer brands where the locals shop – Ansal Plaza. Here you will find great high-end items that are unique, and there is a wide variety of items and styles that will not break the bank. If you are in search of handmade items, but do not feel like haggling with the locals, pay a visit to the Central Cottage Industries Emporium. This is a huge store, with six floors of goods ranging from paintings and clothing, to textiles and furniture.

Culture

Many places in Delhi (greater metropolitan area) radiate hundreds of years of Indian culture. Visitors should stop by the Jama Masjid mosque, which was built over 350 years ago, and took 14 years to complete. This giant mosque is the largest in India and its courtyard has a maximum occupancy of 25,000 people! Another sight to see is the Qutb Minar. This tall tower marks the defeat of the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi, and the new Islamic ruling in India over 800 years ago. The construction of this tower spanned nearly 200 years, and it’s five stories rise to over 200 feet!

Dining

Like any other popular destination, India is home to the usual suspects of world cuisine. Italian, Asian, and even American food can be found in New Delhi… However, the Indian food in Delhi is hard to beat. Who would have thought? There are a lot of chicken dishes to be found here, from kebabs to butter chicken. Tandoori dishes are a favorite, as well as curry. Vegetarians will love India, as vegetables are an integral part of all indian food.

View more of Satori World Medical’s popular destinations

References
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Delhi
[2] http://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/delhi