For centuries, people have travelled around the world seeking medical treatment either unavailable or simply a higher quality of care than what they have available in their home country or community. Destinations and medical institutions promoting medical tourism boast of providing access to high quality healthcare, cutting edge technological advances and a streamlined concierge approach to providing services to the patient and their companions for the duration of their stay. Broward Health has developed an International Program designed to provide comprehensive, quality healthcare services for international patients.
Currently, many international travel companies are working with hospitals, insurance companies and various organizations worldwide to help patients get where they need to be to receive the best care.
An effervescent 25 year-old Australian tourist named Vince Paciullo was on the trip of a lifetime in Peru with a group of friends visiting Macchu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The group set out to partake in white water rafting, mountain biking, zip lining and hiking during their vacation.While mountain biking down a 3,000 meter (10,000 feet) descent in the rain, Paciullo suffered a nasty fall in a Cliffside gutter. He rinsed off the severe grazes on his left hip and another on his right knee and continued on.
The next day, he awoke with fever and pain in and around his wounds. Not willing to give up on his once-in-a-lifetime vacation, he pressed on, excited about zip lining and water rafting adventures that were the plan for the day. He was aware that he needed medical attention, but due to their remote location, he knew how challenging a rescue effort would prove. Over the next two days, he sweated, shivered and hobbled his way through the jungle to visit ancient ruins.
By the fifth day, Paciullo’s fever was raging, his leg was swollen, knee was throbbing and he was meeting a doctor, who immediately cut him open to try to clean the wounds. Specialists arrived and procedures to remove the infected tissue were performed, but one thing was clear. The tiny clinic was not properly equipped to treat him.
Paciullo found himself transferred to a hospital in Lima, where, despite the improved technology and treatments, doctors were unsure if he would keep his leg or survive.
The next stop on Paciullo’s road to recovery was Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he received treatments for the next two weeks. His mother and sister joined him at bedside and were able to take advantage of the special rates and amenities provided by Broward Health International’s Preferred Network of Hotels. Special arrangements were made for Paciullo to return to Australia with a medical escort ensuring a safe trip back home.
Thanks to the care the he received at Broward Health and, later at his home hospital in Sydney, not only was Paciullo able to keep his leg but he completed a half marathon, only one year after his medical scare.
Broward Health International offers a full spectrum of medical services, including specialized treatment in cardiology care, advanced cancer treatment, minimally invasive surgical treatments, comprehensive neurological care, a first-class hematology/oncology program and a leading orthopedic and sports medicine center. Entering into a foreign country can be overwhelming, especially when medical attention is needed. At Broward Health International we understand this and offer a concierge approach to put patients’ minds at ease. We’re with you, every step of the way.
