* Medical Help *

[Ken]

Recommended Dermatologist

I highly recommend Dra. Patria Ovalles if you need a dermatologist. She is on the 5th floor of the tallest building making up the Clinica Abreau complex on Independencia in Santo Domingo. She sees patients in the morning, Monday through Friday, and two afternoons per week.

The phone number is 688-7728.

I was impressed with the office and the staff. Besides Dra. Ovalles, there is a well qualified nurse and a second surgeon/dermatologist (Dra. Alida Gutierrez) who is in the office Tuesday through Thursday morning.

Dra. Ovalles speaks English.

For a variety of reasons we let three years pass between skin exams, instead of the usual one. As a result, a small growth on my wife's nose had become cancerous and a small grownth removed from the side of my nose showed an abnormality in the base. Had we not let so much time pass, both would have been removed before becoming troublesome. We've learned our lesson.

 

[casscade]

Pediatrician

I would highly recommend Dr. Juan Carlos Toral for a Pediatrician. He is located in Santo Domingo in the Centro de Medicina Avanzada Abel Gonzalez building on Abraham Lincoln. His office #is 473-4811. He is easily accessible by phone as he gives you his home, beeper and cell numbers. He speaks English and studied in the states. He is very good with children and my kids loved him!!!

 

[casscade]

Pediatrician

I would highly recommend Dr. Juan Carlos Toral for a Pediatrician. He is located in Santo Domingo in the Centro de Medicina Avanzada Abel Gonzalez building on Abraham Lincoln. His office #is 473-4811. He is easily accessible by phone as he gives you his home, beeper and cell numbers. He speaks English and studied in the states. He is very good with children and my kids loved him!!!

 

[Ken]

Highly Recommended Allergist

If you need an allergist, you should seriously consider Dr. Antonio J. Castillo. He was born in the DR, but has lived most of his life in the US. Received his medical training in the US and practiced there for 15-20 years before fulling the dream of returning to the DR to practice. He has been here 3 years.

He is board certified in the US in Allergy and Immunology.

His office is in Centro Medico Abel Gonzalez on Abraham Lincoln. Tel 541-1991, fax 541-2351.

He works with both children and adults.

I highly recommend him. This past week I spent quite a bit of time with him because my wife had developed a severe reaction to something she was taking. I was very impressed with his thoroughness. Spent more than an hour taking her history, asking every conceivable question about her habits, the food she eats, the medicines and vitamins she takes, cosmetics used, etc.

 

[D & D]

Fear Not - A Dental Experience

If you ever need a root canal, be not afraid... Just had one, and will be going back for another tomorrow. I would never have predicted what I experienced.

Met the dentist just before Christmas for ex-rays, etc., but didn't want to chance spoiling the holidays, so I made my appointment for after the first of the year.

Showed up for the "event", and to tell the truth, I was a little less than comfortable about having what I consider major dental work done locally. They called my name, and I steeled myself for some major pain.

Whoa! The room is really cold, but I figured what the hell, if I'm numb I won't feel too much. Couldn't stop goose bumps from popping out all over, so the next thing I know, I'm all tucked in with a snuggly blanket and a very sweet assistant patting my arm, asking if this was better.

The doc comes in and asks how I'm doing. Yes, the conversation is in English (those who know me, also know that I have an glaring lack of Spanish). I said that I was a little nervous (understatement), and he assured me I wouldn't feel a thing. Sure, here we go.

The assistant drapes me, tucks in my blanket a little more and then scrubs, gloves and gowns as if for open heart surgery with the doc following suit. They put in a "jaw jacker" and went to work.

The only thing I felt during the whole thing was the cold swab for the topical prior to the injections and, sometime later, slight pressure as my drilled & root canalled tooth was being repaired. That's when I woke up. Yep, actually got so comfortable that I fell asleep during all this. "No bad for you"? I nod because the jaw jacker is still in place. I just want to go back to sleep and let him do the other one right now, but I'll have to wait.

Had no problems at all, other than the normal lop-sided, numb grin and a little trouble lighting a cigarette for a few hours.

To be very serious for a moment, the office, dentist and staff are as good or better than any I've been in stateside. Got a mouth full of problems, so I've seen quite a few. Very modern with an instant x-ray, shows up on a computer screen as soon as they click the button. The place is spotless and more sanitary precautions are taken than I have ever seen anywhere outside of an actual operating room.

So, if you ever have a need, do not hesitate or spend money on a ticket home. Believe me, this was the best dental experience I have ever had. Contact information follows;


Dr. Manuel Jimenez Paulino
Calle del sol Edif. Plaza Cristal 2do. Nivel
Santiago, Dominican Republic
Telephone: 809-582-4139 Fax: 809-582-1835
E-mail: manuel.jimenez@codetel.net.do

Very relieved and pleasantly surprised.

Dianne

Edited to add city.

 

[Ken]

Dianne, you left out the name of the town or city where dentist is located.

 

[Hillbilly]

Santiago

The guy works here in Santiago

 

[Dr. Jim]

Re: Re: * Medical Help *

In last november I needed medical care and went to Dr Rafael Lantigua close to the hotel On the green at Playa Dorada.
He tooke good care of me. gave me good advices and his honoraries were very reasonnable.

I hope you will have the chance to receive good medical care front Dr. Rafael Lantigua in Playa Dorada complex.

Just for information...there will be a new medical office in Playa Dorada starting in January 2004 and the doctor is USA and licensed here. Rehab Medicine, General medicine and is also a Chiropractic Physician. Also does home medical and Rehab services.

 

[May]

Ken... thank you sooo much. I have found the DR to be an inexpensive alternative to medicine (no insurance). I am looking into Lasik eye surgery and finish off some dental work, as well as a friend of mine who is going is looking into dental implants.

I have took down the numbers you have provided and will surely call before I even get down to D.R.

 

[ruthcoates]

moving to the DR

During most of the 16 years that my wife and I have been living in the DR, it was necessary for us to go to Santo Domingo (from Samana) for all but the common cold. Consequently we have had the opportunity to get to "try out" a number of doctors and choose those we considered the best. Most are affiliated with Clinica Abreau, and all are recommended without reservation:

Internist/Gastroenterologist: Dr. Fernando A. Contreras. He graduated from a US medical school and is board certified in the US in internal medicine and gastroenterology. He divides his time between offices in Clinica Abreau and Torre Piantini on Abraham Lincoln. His Abreau number is 221-2391 and the other office is 567-1815 or 687-0107. Call to get on calendar for a particular day, then order of arrival of those scheduled for that day. (He was chosen to head the team that cared for ex-President Balaguer when he checked into Clinica Abreau to die.) We consider Dr. Contreras our primary doctor for most things other than the common problems we take care of closer to home.

Opthomologist: Dr. Carlino M. Gonzalez. Located in the Instituto de Cirugia Especializada on Ave. Bolivar #208. Speaks English. Phone: 687-5857. He is one of several opthomologist that share this office.

For root canals: Dr. Jose Maria Heredia. Graduated from a US dental school (Rutgers, I think). His equipment is equal to that found anywhere in the US. Very skilled, specializes in root canals. He is located in Edificio Professional Lincoln on Ave. Abraham Lincoln No. 847. Phone 541-3006/3016.

Urologist: Dr. George F. Riley. His father was a Canadian; graduated from a Canadian medical school. He is with Clinica Abreau, but his office is in the Edificio Medico Profesional across the street. Office hours are 3-6pm daily, order of arrival. Phone: 688-6834.

Cardiologist: Dr. Angel B. Contreras. In morning he is in Edificio Profesional San Antonio (kitty corner from back entrance to Clinica Abreau restaurant), afternoons he is in Torre Piantini on Ave. Abraham Lincoln. AM phone: 688-0011, PM 567-1529. Call to get on his schedule. Speaks English. Graduated from a medical school in Europe. (In morning he shares an office with his father, who is one of if not the leading cardiologist in the DR. But he doesn't speak English.)

Cancer: Anyone ever needing to be checked for possible cancer would do well to consider Dr. Eduardo Segura. He is with Clinica Abreau but his office is located in the Instituto de Maternidad San Rafael at Ave. Bolivar #152. Phone is 682-3966.

Ear, Nose and Throat and Plastic Surgery: Dr. Antonio Jorge Messina. Graduated from a US medical school and board certified there in both specialties. He is with Clinica Abreau but his office is across the street in building #161. His phone: 685-6436 and 687-0910. He operated on me to put my jaw back together after it was fractured in two places.

The medical center we favor is Clinica Abreau http://www.clinicaabreu.com.do/u/indexus.htm

I was operated on there twice and spent a week in the hospital as a patient.

Thanks Ken. Great information! I did not realize that you live in the DR. I feel even better! Since you seem to be so knowledgeable, at another time I will post some questions about living in the DR.

 

[amygirl]

my medical experience

I visit the dominican republic very often, last time i was there got sick with the famous upset stomach and "travelers diarrhea". Visited Doctor Correa International in Juan Dolio. They have a nice clinic with english speaking doctors on Paseo Boulevard. They attended me immediately, and as i was very sick left me there for a day with i.v.'s. My supposedely bad hospital experience was not bad at all, i was treated very nicely by the staff. would recomend that clinic to everybody. And they charged my insurance from the states for the bill, so i did not pay.

This post has been prompted by another post in the travel forum and an idea from Ken.

This is a call for all those people that visit the board and live in the DR to just post a short message relating to a local medical practitioner (any discipline) they have received excellent service from. Someone that you have no hesitation recommending to a friend.

Please take the time to help, you never know when you may need this information.

 

[purplebunniern]

Sounds great

but do any of these wonderful doctors need highly experienced nurses?

 

[itsme]

Plastic Surgeon

Does anyone know of a good plastic surgeon in Santo Domingo? A specialist on tummy tucks and breast lifts?

 

[juanita]

Does anyone know of a good plastic surgeon in Santo Domingo? A specialist on tummy tucks and breast lifts?

Dr.Felipe Martinez Bonelly
cel: 877-5555, ofic. Abel Gonzalez LIncoln 565-9162
ofic. Abel Gonzalez Independencia 685-6918

All my friends used this doctor.

He speaks english!

 

[alisun]

donated blood

Hi- does anyone know if the blood that would be used for a transfusion is routinely tested for Hep. B in Santo Domingo med. centers? Maybe a strange question, but I am trying to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Thanx.

 

[canadian bob]

Hi- does anyone know if the blood that would be used for a transfusion is routinely tested for Hep. B in Santo Domingo med. centers? Maybe a strange question, but I am trying to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Thanx.

For the answer to a question as critically important as this, you should contact directly the Plastic Surgeon who will be doing the work on you. Ask also if it would be feasable if you could donate blood ahead of the operation so that it could be used on yourself. Canadian Bob.

 

[alisun]

For the answer to a question as critically important as this, you should contact directly the Plastic Surgeon who will be doing the work on you. Ask also if it would be feasable if you could donate blood ahead of the operation so that it could be used on yourself. Canadian Bob.

I think I've been misunderstood: I have no intention of getting plastic surgery or any other kind of surgery-
I'm thinking about the nightmare tiny possibility that my son or self get in a car (or other type) accident and rushed off to a hospital where an emergency blood transfusion is performed to save our lives. If I were there with him I would donate the blood myself- but if he gets hurt while at school or with a nanny and I can't make it in time to provide the needed blood, can I count on it being Hep. B (-)?

 

[salsero05]

Dental info

I'm not sure if I'm adressing this to the right person- I live close to DR and need extensive dental work done. I have heard that there are special clinic that specializein Vacationers/visitors can anyone recommend me to a site or to a dental provider in Santo Domingo area

 

[johne]

Blood Specialist

For those in need of this type of care (especially for the treatment of Sickle Cell Anemia) the foremost Dr. in the DR is Dr. Norman Castro. Located in S.D. about 7 or 8 blocks from El Conde.

 

[Miamimike]

Check your Plastic Surgeon Out throughly First

Does anyone know of a good plastic surgeon in Santo Domingo? A specialist on tummy tucks and breast lifts?

Due to Prices in the DR on Plastic Surgery, you should check 'em out really good. There is a link on the below link to see if your surgeon belongs to his/her professional surgical society. You should get opinions from at least 3 surgeons prior to surgery-as you would do here for Elective type surgery in the US. Oh, and ask where the Surgery will be performed, who will be with the surgeon(nurse, anethesiologist,ect) Where will the recovery be? And who will be observing you in recovery? If the surgery is NOT performed in hospital--and its in a small clinic-ask what emergency equipment is present, i.e. Cardiac defibrillator, sufficient Oxygen ect.--if items like these are NOT present--Run-don't walk from this Doc.This was a very intersting article from dateline on MSNBC about Plastic Surgery in the Dominican Republic and a link to the Dominican Society of Plastic Surgeons to see if your Surgeon is on it. If he isn't I would be asking myself "why not". We ask ourselves that question here of a Doc in the US so its a valid question in the DR also. I have went outside the US for Medical Procedures recently and had really good luck, not to mention I saved $10,000 approximately. Just do your due diligence first.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7222253/