### Tijuana General Hospital to Offer Thoracic Surgery Specialization
Tijuana’s General Hospital is set to become the third public institution in Mexico specializing in thoracic surgery, joining the ranks of the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases in Mexico City and the General Hospital in Toluca. Spearheaded by Dr. Carlos Alberto Olivares Torres, this initiative aims to address the shortage of thoracic surgeons in the country.
Currently, only 113 thoracic surgeons are registered in Mexico, with just five practicing in Baja California, including Dr. Olivares. The need for thoracic surgeons is critical as their expertise covers conditions such as pleural pulmonary infections, effusions, tracheal surgery, pulmonary pathology, and lung cancer. The ultimate aim is to have 263 specialists nationwide; however, 11 federal entities currently lack even one.
The thoracic surgery residency program in Tijuana will span three years and include various hands-on practices and lectures by both national and international medical professors. The final three months of the program will involve a residency at a specialized hospital in the United Kingdom.
Efforts are underway for the program to gain university recognition from the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México. This accreditation will ensure that participants receive certification from the Council and a specialty license in thoracic surgery upon completion.
The necessary facilities and resources for the residency program have been established at the General Hospital. These include specialized surgeons, six beds, a resident area, consultation rooms, classrooms, access to operating rooms and intensive care units, an endoscopy area, a library, and an academic program. If all final approvals are secured, the thoracic surgery residency program is set to launch in March 2025.
This milestone will not only elevate the standard of medical care in Tijuana but will also mark the hospital as the third in the country to offer this crucial specialization.
### Additional Developments in Mexican Healthcare
**New Cancer Treatment Facility Opens in Monterrey:**
Monterrey recently welcomed a state-of-the-art cancer treatment center aimed at providing advanced therapies and research opportunities. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and a dedicated team of oncologists, the facility seeks to improve cancer care outcomes and offer hope to patients across the region.
**Increased Focus on Mental Health:**
Responding to the rising demand for mental health services, the Mexican government has announced plans to expand mental health programs nationwide. This includes increased funding for mental health clinics, the integration of mental health education in schools, and targeted efforts to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
**Telemedicine Gains Traction:**
With the ongoing advancements in telemedicine, more hospitals across Mexico are adopting virtual consultation services. This innovation aims to provide healthcare access to remote and underserved communities, reducing the need for travel and bridging the gap in healthcare disparities.
For more updates, visit TJGringo.com.