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EF: What factors attracted you to TecSalud, and how were you convinced to take on this role within the company?
AGL: There are very few hospital systems that provide the opportunity to be part of an organization closely resembling American hospitals, which integrate research, education, and clinical practice. Having been exposed to numerous U.S. hospitals, I have always dreamed of being part of an institution with these three crucial elements. TecSalud is remarkable, not only due to its structure but also because of the wonderful people within it. It serves a higher purpose—a commitment to doing good for the community, making a positive impact, and enhancing lives.
EF: What are TecSalud’s current priorities for 2024?
AGL: My primary goal is to expand the presence of our healthcare initiatives in Mexico, particularly beyond Monterrey, to reach the broader community. Our academic collaboration with the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at TecSalud facilitates this expansion. The hospital is deeply committed to fostering and advancing medical expertise, exemplified by our focus on high-specialty programs. For instance, we recently achieved a milestone by successfully performing the first two-lung transplant at TecSalud with a highly complex case.
We aspire to transcend mere medical practice, making a meaningful impact on the community by integrating advanced medical care, professional development, and research initiatives. During the pandemic, our institution actively engaged in COVID research, highlighting our commitment to research programs. As an example of our commitment, we are proud to have over 25 ongoing research initiatives in oncology.
EF: How do you ensure the affordability and accessibility of healthcare innovation for a broader population in Mexico?
AGL: Our student platform presents several advantages for relationships with non-profit and non-governmental organizations. This enables us to collaborate more closely and implement specialized programs to enhance accessibility. Fundación TecSalud, our foundation, serves as a mechanism to deliver affordable and accessible healthcare to a specific economic segment within our community. The challenge for the near future lies in expanding the support we can provide, both in terms of the quantity and types of procedures and treatments offered.
EF: How is TecSalud promoting diagnostic and preventive medicine within the community?
AGL: Specifically in Monterrey, we have initiated the establishment of primary care centers called CAPS. We have opened the first two, with plans to roll out two more. Through these centers, we aim to provide more accessible care to local communities, emphasizing preventive care through diagnostic services and health prevention programs.
Additionally, we have entered into a joint venture in Mexico City called Healthtec by TecSalud. This venture comprises a network of outpatient centers providing medical consultations and primary-level diagnostics, expanding our impact in Mexico City. These facilities also serve as clinical practice sites for medical students.
EF: How do you envision improving collaboration between the private and public sectors across the nation?
AGL: There are several areas where collaboration can thrive. One such domain is academia, where we actively participate in multi-site student development. Through agreements with public hospitals in Monterrey and Mexico City, students engage in their learning processes within these settings. This academic collaboration serves as a foundational area for sharing and cooperation. Additionally, we collaborate in research programs, tapping into specific funding and engaging patients in various research protocols, ranging from pre-clinical studies to clinical trials. This creates a comprehensive ecosystem for collaborative efforts in advancing research initiatives.
EF: How is TecSalud leveraging digital tools and artificial intelligence to enhance healthcare quality?
AGL: We have a clear objective of elevating our standards, and a key focus is the reacquisition of the JCI accreditation. Currently, we are diligently working to compile all necessary elements to achieve this certification by next year.
We are migrating our hospital information system and electronic medical records and exploring several AI projects to improve patient experiences, addressing industry-wide pain points. For instance, we are considering AI applications for smoother processes. To emphasize user-friendly electronic medical record access, we are delving into digital tools to make the patient’s journey more seamless. Additionally, we are automating unique protocols to ensure safer, swifter patient care.
The digital transition is complex, but our enthusiasm is driven by the prospect of advancing patient care, enhancing physician access to information, and facilitating timely clinical decisions.
EF: How does TecSalud attract and retain healthcare professionals in Mexico’s healthcare system?
AGL: A key focus for us is advancing nursing practice, particularly through specialized degrees tailored for intensive care. We invest in training and certifying nurses in this specialized field, enhancing their knowledge and competencies, and providing a pathway for retention. To further elevate nursing practice, we are actively engaging with various universities to develop academic programs that align with international standards, particularly in the U.S. This includes initiatives to enhance competency levels and offer attractive opportunities for nurses.
Furthermore, our partnership with universities extends to nursing research development programs, demonstrating excellence in nursing engineering. These collective efforts enhance our institution's appeal and provide a fulfilling environment for nursing professionals in Mexico.
EF: If you were to assume the role of the Minister of Health, where would you begin to advance healthcare in Mexico?
AGL: There are multiple aspects to address in healthcare reform. Shifting the focus from merely providing health services to efficiently managing health budgets is a crucial transition. Many colleagues are actively working on this transformation, aiming to make healthcare administration more streamlined and effective. Public hospitals, known for their complexity, could benefit from a model where the government acts as a budget administrator, like practices in other regions.
Additionally, establishing a comprehensive framework for healthcare provision and standards should be a priority. This framework would continually raise the bar for the type of care and treatment expected from public and private hospitals, significantly benefiting individuals seeking healthcare services in Mexico.
EF: What three fundamental pillars are crucial for upholding a sustainable and resilient healthcare system?
AGL: Financial sustainability and safe, high-quality care are the crucial aspects without which the entire healthcare system could falter. The third pillar is medical research, which extends the spectrum of available treatments, enhances accessibility to innovative therapies, and contributes to healthcare improvement.
EF: If you aimed to attract a younger generation to work at TecSalud, what would be your message to encourage them to join the organization?
AGL: Healthcare is a fascinating field that presents one of the most intricate landscapes for professionals. In Mexico and for TecSalud, the healthcare industry is brimming with prospects, especially compared to other sectors that might be considered more advanced in terms of administrative and operational tools. There is also a chance to contribute to developing and enhancing hospital systems. The impact is significant, not just on individual patients but on entire families. It goes beyond the surface level and resonates with a deeper sense of professional fulfillment.
