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DR. ADRIANA BARRIOS DE DUNSFORD

Director of Las Torres Clinical Hospital of Quetzaltenango (Guatemala)

"The patient is the one benefiting most from this type of medical training, since new knowledge and reasoning culminate in more precise diagnoses. Practicum Script is a key tool to strengthen intuition, clinical judgment, and (definitely) safety in decision making before the patient." That is the opinion of Adriana Barrios de Dunsford, a Guatemalan gastroenterologist captivated by the opportunities represented by continuing medical training.

Madrid, July 17, 2018. Awarded in May 2018 by the International Organization for Training and Medical Research (IOCIM) with the highest distinction of excellence, the specialist in Gastroenterology Adriana Barrios says that "medicine is not static and verifying opinions is the best way to become up to date and avoid errors." Among the advantages of Practicum Script in her training, this Guatemalan who runs the Clínica Las Torres de Quetzaltenango cites "continuous updating and the possibility of interacting with other gastroenterologists." Also, she explains that “the simulator is a program that addresses both communication with specialists and review of content."

Judging by her curriculum, Dr. Barrios is intensely active: she combines her position of director with her facets of researcher, lecturer, assiduous seminar attendee, and member of the American Gastroenterology Association, among others. She is originally from Xela and graduated from the University of San Carlos of Guatemala (USAC), where she enrolled when she was 16 years old and graduated at the age of 23 years. She validated her degree in Spain and received training in two specialties in Madrid: Digestive Diseases, at Hospital Virgen de la Torre, and Microbiology and Parasitology, at Hospital La Paz. In Madrid, she did training at Carlos III, and in Barcelona, she received a postgraduate degree in Endoscopy at the Vall d'Hebron. "The optimization of the profession passes through an exchange of knowledge and internationalization of what is being done well," she says.

With an average percentage of coincidence in hypothesis and clinical scenarios in the simulator of around 80%, the doctor describes her interest in all cases of inflammatory bowel disease. Although the bulk of the course comprises the most prevalent diseases in the specialty, "these diseases are really rarely seen in our daily practice at a local level." Most of her patients are referred by other patients and colleagues who know her private clinic, although sometimes she leaves her private practice aside and performs some social services. With respect to the healthcare area, the center offers medical consultation services, clinical laboratory, breath tests, endoscopy, ultrasonography, and complementary services, and Dr. Barrios believes that Practicum gives her support to refine these processes.

What the doctor appreciates most is the possibility to access the virtual platform at diverse hours, according to her time availability. Regarding the tool's methodology, she is confident that the bibliographic references and the discussion forums are its best foundations. Everything is based on proven certainties, which results in the professional having confidence in himself. "Poor practice and medical error are always debatable concepts," she warns. A purely legalistic approach could predispose to a defensive practice of medicine without facing the underlying reality. "I am aware of publications about burnout in the healthcare area, and I think that providing the professional with clinical reasoning skills can reduce stress rates and consolidate quality management." 

Build in common
In her words, it was a pleasant surprise to receive the award ”In search of a better life” during the XXXIX World Congress in Health IOCIM, which was held in the city of Cusco, Peru. During the same meeting, "I presented a specific topic about the usefulness of breath tests in Gastroenterology." Other works have led her to Bangkok (Thailand) to present about gastric infections and biliary gastritis, to Munich (Germany) with another study on an E. coli strain producing metallo-beta-lactamase in a pediatric hospital, to Shanghai (China), with presentations about irritable bowel syndrome and the small intestinal bacterial overgrowth syndrome, and to Spain on several occasions.

Regarding the recognition, the professional mentioned that it is important to communicate these achievements, adding that despite being USAC researchers, they have not been extended an invitation yet to broaden their area of activity. "Unfortunately, there is a lack of support." The clinic, on its own, since its foundation in 1978, has stood out for its focus on digestive diseases. Dr. Barrios reports that she is currently part of the editorial board of the Journal of Exploratory Research in Pharmacology (JERP), "where you can read our latest published study: Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with development of irritable bowel syndrome." Her current research is about dyspepsia associated with gastric fermentation. "We not only dedicate ourselves to taking care of the patients, but also to innovating and investigating."

 

Testimonies

For me, the program is very interesting, since it allows me to sharpen my interrogation and direct it more towards a specific pathology and to have more knowledge of laboratory and cabinet exams. I think it is very important that we keep our medical sagacity throughout our practice and that in the few minutes it takes to answer any of the cases that Practicum Script presents, you acquire more knowledge.

Dr. Miguel Olivares Alcocer

Pediatrician in Guanajuato (Mexico)

I would like to express my gratitude to the Practicum Institute of Health Sciences Research for the opportunity given to Latin American physicians  to access and take different courses of our specialty for the benefit of our dear patients, in my case in Mexico. It has encouraged me to improve myself and keep abreast of the advances in Pediatrics and put into practice the knowledge acquired in the hospital where I work. Thanks friends and congratulations to this valuable team of Practicum Script Education.

Dr. Heriberto Fuentes García

Pediatrician in Sonora (Mexico)

I am grateful for this study tool that, through Nestlé and with this method, allows us to review different issues with cases that confront us in decision-making and serve us in the daily consultation.

Dr. Josué Refugio de León Padilla

Pediatrician in Jalisco (Mexico)

It is an excellent educational support platform for the pediatrician, offers very specific clinical challenges with alternatives for diagnosis and differential diagnoses, with the support of experts, a bibliography and a forum to share opinions. It's easy to navigate and it's fun, a tool that's worth using and making the most of it.

Dr. Guillermo Yanowsky-Reyes

Surgery Pediatrician in Guadalajara (Mexico)
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