An interview with Dr. Monserrate Largacha | 17 Apr 23
Gastroenterologist, current President of the Ecuadorian Society of Gastroenterology Manabi Branch and member of the Organizing Committee of the “Regional Course of Gastroenterology and Advanced Endoscopy”
addicted Interview with a leading gastroenterologist in Ecuador: Dr.. Monserrate Largacha. Their answers to our concerns cover the current panorama of some of the discipline’s core topics.
interview:
| What is your professional occupation in medicine? |
I have completed my undergraduate studies at Universidad Leica Eloy Alvaro de Manabi; Obtaining the title of Doctor of Medicine and Surgery. She served as a resident physician (first woman) at the San Antonio Clinic in Portoviejo; Residency at the Ecuadorian Institute of Gastroenterology and Pelvic Diseases “IECED”; Chief Resident at IESS Portoviejo Hospital and in 2014 she worked as a resident in the Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases at the Rafael Rodríguez Zambrano Hospital in Manta, in 2015 she moved to Mexico City to study Gastroenterology by the National Autonomous University of Mexico at the Hospital Juárez de Mexico; Completed a Fellowship at the Juárez Hospital of the SSA Center in Diagnostic Endoscopy in Mexico City-Mexico, and finally completed a residency at a GASTRO-INTESTINAL MOTILITY; in the year 2018.
I have experience as a university university professor in the medical school of two universities in the country; Member of the Teaching Staff of the Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Service of the Hospital de Espícillades Portofego, of which the Endoscopy Unit was formed, and Head of the Gastroenterology Service and the Teaching and Research Department of the Hospital Madre Teresa.
| What is the current status of gastroenterology in Ecuador? |
Undoubtedly, the tremendous growth that has occurred in this specialty in terms of human talent trained inside and outside the country along with equipment and technology has allowed for the presence of new specialized centers and clinics in the main cities of Ecuador in the past three years. . The gap will not be closed by population and this could be improved if doctors look for smaller counties and that way they can reach the whole population. There are centers in Ecuador with international prestige that provide training in the subspecialties of our specialty to national and foreign doctors, which allows us to be seen as Specialization in vanguard and innovation.
| What are the most common diseases? Which ones are a concern from a health point of view? |
Gastroenterology is a specialty that deals with the normal function and diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and liver. And we not only diagnose, but also assess and prevent non-communicable diseases that are alarming not only in the country but all over the world, such as Metabolic Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD), an entity that is increasing in prevalence. Unlike other causes of chronic liver disease, The rate of MAFLD has increased gradually over the years; It is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in the world and is expected to be the leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma.
The normal functioning (physiology) of the organs of the digestive system, the movement of substances through the stomach and intestines (motility), the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the body, cause conditions such as lactose intolerance, or other foods; Diarrhea, celiac disease and irritable bowel syndrome are among the main reasons for our consultation.
And if we talk about the upper digestive system, the most important of them is gastroesophageal reflux disease, in addition to the complications of gastric acid disease (hemorrhagic ulcer) and indigestion. Gastrointestinal cancer also raises concern about the growing numbers Which occurred in recent years for cancer of the pancreas, colon and biliary tract. The situation can improve with better preventive strategies at the government level to detect these cases in a timely manner.
| What are the reasons for choosing gastroenterology? |
While getting a bachelor’s degree in medicine, one searches for a major which he considers as his field of interest. This is a broad specialty without question. Taking assessments and learning how to assess the vast majority of patients with GI complaints, whether or not that was the reason for their medical appointment or hospitalization, made me gain the knowledge a wide variety of patients are treated. Recommendations for maintaining health and preventing disease. There is another scenario, serious patients who have life threatening situations and see how they have improved after starting their approach, diagnostic and therapeutic studies. What made me decide on this specialty.
A gastroenterologist is a trained physician with a unique combination of broad scientific knowledge, general internal medicine training, superior endoscopic skills, and the ability to integrate these elements to provide optimal patient care.
| How was the experience of the COVID19 pandemic in your country? |
On Saturday, February 29, 2020, our first case was recorded in Ecuador; Then the National Center of Excellence for Emergency Coordination was activated; On March 11 of the same year, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, and in Ecuador, through Ministerial Agreement No. 00126-2020, a health emergency was declared in the national health system; This changed the decisions taken every week or during the week. With the ban on mobilization, airports closed, not events with massive crowds, we had days for circulation, and those of us who could walk a little more freely, but because of working conditions, we were health personnel, armed forces, military, police and police. government agencies. Many died without confessing suddenly, cremation was initially an obligation, external consultations in health institutions were closed, and countless cases caused fear, ignorance, and anxiety to reduce fear in the face of how little we know.
