By Kevin Poling, Director of Patient Services at Satori World Medical

Kevin Poling of Satori World Medical will be presenting at the 2010 Southern Comfort Conference on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 2 p.m. in Oakwood Room B. Learn about SRS/GRS procedures in beautiful Thailand and Canada through Satori’s widely regarded Global Transgender Program.

The SRS/GRS are done at one of Satori’s International Centers of Excellence where high quality surgical procedures are performed in hospitals designed to cater to U.S. patients. Satori provides start-to-finish support, including appointment scheduling, follow up and concierge travel services.

Satori World Medical will also be exhibiting in the main gathering area (just left of the main lobby). Stop by the booth or attend the presentation to be entered to win one of three $50 gift cards. Two gift cards will be raffled during the 2 p.m. presentation. Winners must be present. The third gift card will be raffled off during exhibit hours.

For more information, visit http://www.satoriworldmedical.com/transgender/

By Kevin Poling, Director of Patient Services at Satori World Medical

Satori World Medical’s Global Transgender Program is pleased to announce the addition of Centre Metropolitain de Chirurgie Plastique by Pierre Brassard M.D., Medical Director, F.R.C.S.C, world-renowned gender reassignment surgeon in Montreal, Canada to our high quality network of hospitals and surgeons.

Satori World Medical’s Global Transgender Program offers individuals access to a high quality network of international hospitals and highly trained gender reassignment surgeons, at a significant cost savings of up to 30-50% on surgical procedures when compared to the same procedure performed in the U.S.

High Quality Network of Surgery Centers and Surgeons

With Satori, you have access to high quality surgery centers where procedures are performed in facilities designed to cater to U.S. patients. All surgeons are U.S./U.K. or equivalently trained and board certified and fluent in English. You can be confident you will receive high quality care.

High Touch Medical & Travel Services

A phone call to Satori World Medical is all it takes. You can focus on getting the care you need and Satori will do the rest. Our team of Gender Transition Advocates (GTA) guide you through every step; coordinating your care, transferring medical records, setting up a conference call with your international surgeon, scheduling your procedure, making hotel and airfare reservations and setting up your follow-up appointment with your U.S. physician upon your return. Our in-country concierge service will take care of your medical transportation needs during your stay.

Significant Savings of 30-50% on SRS Procedures

Typically a procedure in our network costs 30-50% less when compared to the same procedure in the U.S. That savings of 30-50% includes round trip airfare and hotel accommodations. This savings enables you to finally afford the procedures you need.

For more information on our program contact Kevin Poling, Director of Patient Services at http://satoriworldmed.com/transgender/contactus.htm or (866) 613-9686

Visit us on our website at www.satoriworldmedical.com/transgender

By, Kevin Poling, Director of Travel & Patient Services at Satori World Medical

The trend of medical tourism, where Americans are traveling outside the United States for medical care, is becoming more common due to the high cost of surgery in the U.S. Countries all over the world such as Thailand, India, Costa Rica, and Mexico are world-renowned for their medical and dental care.  Below are a few of the most popular procedures among medical tourists:

• Cardiac Surgery: Cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart disease, stroke and other vascular problems, is one of the deadliest and costliest health problems in the U.S. However, top quality healthcare for heart disease can be obtained internationally at a fraction of the cost than within the U.S. The average heart procedure in India costs a tenth of what it would for the same procedure in a U.S. hospital. The Asian Heart Institute, located in Mumbai, India, performs over 1,200 Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) procedures per year. They are affiliated with the prestigious American hospital The Cleveland Clinic, and provide world-class cardiac care. 
• Joint Replacement: Orthopedic procedures, such as hip/knee replacements are becoming more frequent due to the aging Baby Boomer population, and as Americans remain leading active lifestyles. Having an orthopedic procedure can be done overseas in high quality facilities that can save as much as 50% compared to having it done domestically.
• Cosmetic Surgery: Costa Rica, Thailand, Mexico, and Brazil are known for their plastic surgery. Average savings on plastic surgery procedures can be as much a 50%, while the quality of the care delivered rivals that of top U.S. hospital institutions. Top plastic surgery procedures include tummy tucks, breast augmentation, facelifts, and rhinoplasty.
• Dental Procedure: Having dental work done abroad has become popular since most health insurance plans do not cover dental procedures and the average cost savings for dental treatments can be as much as 75%, when compared to the cost in the U.S. Every year, highly trained reconstructive and cosmetic dentists provide dental treatments to thousands of patients travelling abroad for economical dental procedures. Popular dental tourism locations include Mexico and Costa Rica.

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

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 Monterrey, the capitol of the northeastern state of Nuevo Leon.

Your ‘to do list’ while in Monterrey:

- Visit the Serengeti Safari wild animal park
- Experience the rich cultural heritage by taking a tour of the city
- Experience live music at the Municipal Palace: Open air concerts every Sunday evening
- Shop for jewelry or arts & crafts at the local markets
- Visit the Planetario Alfa art museum, science exhibits, and IMAX theater

Transportation

Monterrey is connected to its neighboring cities and the United States by many highways and a few freight lines. Transportation in while in Monterrey is quick, either via taxi or the Rapid Transit System called the Metrorrey. The Metrorrey currently has two lines and covers a wide area of the city. There are also a few old fashioned trolleys rolling around the city.

Tours

Speaking of Trolleys, why not catch one for a first hand glimpse of what the city has to offer? There are many trolley tours available, and tourists can usually catch them right outside their hotels. If you enjoy a cold beer now and again, check out the Tecate Group beer garden in the center of the city for some cold, fresh Carta Blanca, for free! There are many tours in the city that cover the main areas of interest, including the Gran Plaza, which offers weekly open air concerts, and plenty of cultural activities throughout the year.

Shopping

Travelers from the United States will quickly notice some familiar store chains, which can make it easy to pick up an item that was forgotten at home, without having to search far and wide. There are also almost a dozen large shopping malls throughout Monterrey, with department stores, cinemas, and food courts. Here, many tourists can find great prices on the same items they could find at home, all while shopping through familiar stores and brands. Monterrey has many souvenir and art stores which feature everything from postcards, to rugs, pottery, and beautiful handmade glass items.

Culture

Monterrey is home to many art museums, both contemporary and historical. Also of note are the many history museums, which include artifacts from Monterrey, and offer a deep look inside the history of Mexico. There are planty of interesting displays, from old treasures, to breathtaking glass art.

Monterrey is a city in which music holds a high importance. There are many places throughout the city that feature live music, of all types. Barrio Antiguo is the center of all of Monterrey’s nightlife, and tourists can easily find one of the many venues, featuring jazz, salsa, Nortena – as well as many big name entertainers that pass through the area. You’ll never know what famous concerts you might see in Monterrey!

Dining

Monterrey’s most traditional dish is cabrito, which is kid goat cooked whole over burning embers. It is based on the cuisine of the Jewish founders of the city. There are a number of other traditional dishes with this influence, and also a noticeable absense of pork dishes. Carne asada is a well known favorite, and is largely popular among Monterrey families. This is often served with grilled onions or baked potatoes.

Once again, travelers from the United States will feel very comfortable with the familiar chain restaurants which can be found throughout the cities, but why not try something new? The local restaurants (even the fancy ones), are very reasonably priced when compared to the U.S. Monterrey also offers a variety of international cuisine, with local flavor infused, for a very unique, and unforgettable taste.

View more of Satori World Medical’s popular destinations

References
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monterrey
[2] http://www.allaboutmonterrey.com/

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 fourth of the destination cities of the Satori Global Network™ I am highlighting is Singapore, an island located at the southern end of the Malay Peninsula.

Your ‘to do list’ while in Singapore:

• Visit the Orchard Road shopping disctrict
• If you are traveling in the summertime, go to the Singapore Food Festival
• Catch a concert or a show at Esplanade
• Go on a Night Safari at the world’s premier night zoo
• Relax at East Coast Park

Transportation

Singapore has a wonderful public transport system that has special pricing for those visiting the island. Tourists can purchase the Singapore Tourist Pass which provides unlimited travel. For a current ticket price of $8 per day, visitors can travel via Singapore’s buses and an extensive railway systems. Due to Singapore’s tropical climate, buses are air conditioned, and provide a comfortable ride. The railway systems are very fast, and provide 5 lines with over 80 stations.

Tours

Singapore has many attractions for tourists, and it’s easy to just explore the island yourself and find a day’s worth of adventures. However, for those who like to relax and watch the scenery, there are many great options available! For those wanting to spend time with a companion on their medical travel experience, there are numerous harbor and river cruises around the islands of Kusu, St. John’s, Sisters and Lazarus. Lunch, dinner, and tea is available on these tours of the waterways, and they are a great opportunity to relax and see new sights. For those feeling more adventurous and looking to catch a glimpse of the culture, trishaw tours are also available through Little India and Chinatown. Take a ride on three wheels and see some of Singapore’s hidden delights from a different prespective!

Shopping

Singapore is a mecca for shopping – and the avid buyer can find great deals on some of the world’s finest designer brands with just a bit of searching. Orchard Road is the main focus of the Singapore shopping experience. Here, shoppers can find anything from electronics to designer clothing, even rare antiques and imports, as well as very upmarket and custom tailored designer wear. Shopping in Singapore goes further than the main shopping districts though, deals can be found all around the city. Bargains can be found on useful every day items in the financial district, and all around the city and suburban areas there are lesser known shopping centers that offer some amazing items at even more amazing prices.

Culture

Singapore’s rich cultural heritage can be seen in many areas including Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. Chinatown has recently been renovated, however some historic buildings and sites have been conserved. Chinatown is home to many shop houses, temples, mosques, and great places to eat, and gets quite festive around the Chinese New Year. Little India is a great place to shop for Indian goods and eat delicious Indian food. Traditional Indian goods such as spices, jewelry, silverware, and fabrics can all be found at great prices, and restaurants featuring fine North and South Indian Cuisine. The Kampong Glam is set in what used to be a fishing village and is just a few minutes southeast of Little India. Here, you can find the Istana Kampong Glam, which is ‘the Sultan’s Palace’, and also the Sultan Mosque. There are also a variety of merchants selling fine fabrics, Muslim merchandise, and foods.

Dining

Singapore’s unique blend of cuisine stems from the surrounding areas that have traded goods through this area since the early days of Eastern and Western trading. With heavy influences from both Chinese and Indian heritage, there are many different varieties and hybrids of some already classic food preparations. Singapore holds a high importance to eating, and eating well – you can find multiple course, fine meals 24 hours out of the day. In fact, the popular greeting in Singapore translates as “Have you eaten?”! Not only does the food have incredibly unique taste, and is available at all hours – but Singapore has extremely high standards for hygiene and preparation of food. You really can’t go wrong when dining in Singapore!

View more of Satori World Medical’s popular destinations

References
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Singapore
[2] http://www.newasia-singapore.com/

Brad H., a 63-year-old man from Palm Springs, California traveled to Bangkok, Thailand in September to undergo a facelift. Below is a recap of Brad’s medical travel experience:

I had heard about medical tourism through friends and the media, and I knew that people were traveling to exotic destinations to have medical procedures. When I heard about Satori World Medical in San Diego, I really felt like this was the best company for me.

I contacted Satori and spoke with Kevin Poling, the company’s Director of Customer Service. Kevin was very knowledgeable and helpful. Initially, I had some reservations about the care I would receive but after I spoke with Kevin, I felt assured I would have a positive experience.

I decided to go to Samitivej Hospital in Thailand for my facelift. I can’t say enough about Satori’s staff, their customer service was outstanding. They handled every aspect of my trip and medical procedure, making all my travel arrangements and transferring my medical records. The service and support I received really helped me understand and feel comfortable about the process and what to expect from the experience.

I traveled to Thailand in September. I was really impressed with the quality of the hospital. I had never before seen a hospital room with so many amenities. My room even had a flat screen TV. The service at the hospital was exceptional. The medical and nursing staff were very attentive and my surgeon was great. He took the time to explain my procedure and the recovery process. I had my facelift and saved over $7,000 on my procedure! Overall I had a great experience and I wouldn’t think twice about doing it again.

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 first of the destination cities of the Satori Global Network™ I am highlighting is Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, and fifth largest city proper in the world with a population of 12.6 million. Istanbul is also a megacity, as well as the cultural and financial centre of Turkey [1].

Your ‘to do list’ while in Istanbul:

• Take a tour of the Bosphorus
• Take a quick city bus tour of Istanbul
• Experience shopping like you never have before
• Try some fresh seafood on the Bosphorus
• Listen to live music at one of many venues throughout the city
• Explore the cultural richness and history at one of Istanbul’s renowned museum
• Create your own adventure! Istanbul is home to many avenues and cosmopolitan districts which are just waiting to be explored… You won’t have to go far to find a new and exciting experience!

Transportation

Istanbul is connected via a series of railways, trams, funiculars, a light rail transit system, as well as busses, various motorways and plenty of sea transportation. The city is mostly surrounded by sea, so there are many ferry and sea bus systems available to explore surrounding areas, such as the Princes’ Islands.

Tours

Many tour programs are available, especially throughout the summer months, when tour boats take many tourists up the Bosphorus, while making stops on the Asian side and in Anadolu Kavagi. There, tourists can enjoy live music and dine on fresh fish. City bus tours are also available throughout Istanbul, and often cover most popular areas of the city within a couple hours. This gives tourists an opportunity to seek out areas of interest, and easily return to explore them more thoroughly.

Shopping

Istanbul is a shopping Mecca, and tourists can find anything from modern world class brands, to spices, jewelry, and more in any of the cities shopping districts. Many places such as the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Bazaar are known for finding one of a kind items, as well as a vast selection of crafts and pottery from the thousands of shops and vendors located within. Modern shopping malls are also found throughout the city, and shoppers can treat themselves to luxury items from around Asia, Europe and also a large collection of world-famous fashion brands.

Culture

There are many entertainment options throughout Istanbul, as the city is becoming increasingly rich in cultural, social, and tourist-friendly activities. Year round, one can catch an opera, ballet, or enjoy Turkish theater, while seasonal festivals offer world class orchestras and concerts featuring many world famous musicians.

There are many renowned museums throughout the city, including the Istanbul Archaeology Museum, which is one of the largest archaeological museums in the world. Istanbul Modern is an art museum which frequently hosts exhibitions from famous artists worldwide (not to mention a great website!). There are also other historical museums which feature vintage machines and transportation vessels from the past including trains, submarines, aircraft, and other items. Truly a great collection of both modern and past perspectives! [2]

Dining

Istanbul is known for its seafood and wine houses, which can be found lining the Bosphorus and Marmara Sea on the southern end of the city. There are also numerous cafes, pubs, taverns, and open air spaces, in which tourists can experience live music and local talent first hand. Contact us today to speak to a Travel Care Coordinator and get started on your medical travel experience.

View more of Satori World Medical’s popular destinations

References
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Istanbul
[2] http://english.istanbul.com/

 In February 2009, Jessica, a 26-year-old woman from San Diego (who only uses her first name for confidentiality reasons), traveled with her mother to San José, Costa Rica to undergo a weight loss procedure through the Satori World Medical program. Below is Jessica’s personal account of her medical travel experience. Jessica says:

I first learned about medical tourism and the Satori World Medical program from my employer. When I discovered how much money could be saved by traveling outside the U.S. to receive medical care, I was immediately intrigued by the option.

After a brief introduction, I enrolled in the Satori World Medical program and within just a matter of time made arrangements to have surgery at one of the top-rate hospitals within the Satori Global Network. With the counsel of one of Satori World Medical’s Nurse Patient Advocates, I chose Clinica Biblica in Costa Rica.

At first, I had a lot of questions but immediately felt at ease upon speaking with my Nurse Patient Advocate. She was extremely knowledgeable and took care of absolutely every detail for me, from helping me select my hospital and transferring my medical records, to scheduling my follow-up care in the U.S. before even leaving the country.

Meanwhile, Satori World Medical’s Travel Care Coordinators handled all travel details for me and my companion, including making all flight and hotel reservations, arranging all of our ground transportation and ensuring the best possible experience from beginning to end. It was wonderful to know that I could have a companion accompany me. It made all the difference. My Travel Care Coordinator also provided us with a detailed travel itinerary so that we knew exactly where to be and when, and exactly what to expect along the way.

Then when I finally arrived on the day of my scheduled surgery at Clinica Biblica, I couldn’t believe how beautiful the hospital was, from the registration area to the patient rooms. Everything was absolutely state-of-the-art and the care I received from their doctors and nurses was more compassionate and personalized than I had ever experienced anywhere.

My hospital room was great – private, spacious and equipped with every amenity, even a flat-screen TV and sofa! But still what stands out in my mind the most was Clinica Biblica’s caring medical staff. They were extremely helpful. In fact my doctor still calls me to see how I am doing.

Looking back, I would not hesitate again to receive surgery through any of the international hospitals in the Satori World Medical program and would certainly recommend it to anybody else who is considering medical travel.