A wonderful pediatric cardiovascular surgeon from Costa Rica, Javier Brenes González, was hired by Dallas Children’s Medical City, in Texas. This 42-year-old doctor is recognized for his service that saved the Pediatric Cardiovascular Program at the Hospital Nacional de Niños, which was in a crisis of high mortality before his arrival.
Brenes had an attractive offer to go back to Dallas, where he was trained, but turned it down until he was sure he could leave the children’s hospital in Costa Rica in capable hands. He mentored two surgeons who he now believes are able to meet the needs of the hospital.
He is taking a six-month leave without pay to try out the job in Texas and may extend it if he feels it’s a good fit. It’s at an impressive hospital that offers fetal diagnosis and treatment of complex congenital malformations.
During his time in Costa Rica, Brenes managed to significantly decrease both mortality rates and rates of post-surgical complications. He also worked on very delicate cases, such as a baby so small that its heart was just 3 centimeters.
