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Services

Internal Medicine

Polypharmacy management

Polypharmacy, the use of more than three medications simultaneously, can expose patients to side effects and potential harm. Effective management involves regular comprehensive reviews to optimize health outcomes and reduce adverse effects, evaluating the necessity of each medication, identifying potential side effects and drug interactions, and considering the reduction or discontinuation of unnecessary medications. This process requires close collaboration with pharmacists for thorough assessment and involving patients in decision-making to ensure their preferences and goals are met. Regular monitoring and follow-up are essential to continuously optimize the medication plan. Proper polypharmacy management leads to improved patient safety, enhanced quality of life, and reduced healthcare costs.

To preserve the function and independence of elderly individuals at risk of falls and cognitive decline, a multi-faceted approach is essential. This begins with comprehensive assessments to understand their specific needs. Preventive measures include managing medications carefully and recommending appropriate exercise and dietary modifications. Ensuring vaccinations are up-to-date and addressing any vision and hearing issues are also crucial. Key interventions involve conducting home safety evaluations, providing assistive devices, offering cognitive training, and encouraging social engagement. Coordination with multidisciplinary teams and utilizing community resources help in providing holistic care. Regular monitoring and follow-ups, including telehealth options, ensure ongoing care and adaptation of strategies to meet changing needs. The ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life for the elderly and maintain their independence.

Chronic Disease Care Plans

Dr Santiago finds Care Plans a helpful tool to assist in coordinating care and minimizing spontaneous consultations in patient's with chronic conditions. They are valuable for documenting thorough, precise, and current information about a patient's condition and treatment. Additionally, creating a care plan can aid patients in recognising actions they can take to reach their treatment objectives.

A key aspect of this service is the involvement of a multidisciplinary team, which may include: Dietitians, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Exercise Physiologist, Podiatry, and other healthcare professionals.

Almost any chronic condition that can impact the patient's health in the short or long term can count towards the preparation of a Care Plan.

Preservation of independence and functionality
Multiple chronic conditions

Dr. Santiago provides comprehensive care for patients with multiple chronic conditions by coordinating various treatments and specialists to meet complex needs. He offers patient-centered care tailored to each individual's unique situation, continuously monitors patients to ensure their health is well-managed, and proactively addresses health issues to achieve the best possible outcomes. His approach covers a wide range of medical concerns with thorough and effective care.

Skin Cancer Care

Photographic record

As a dedicated physician specializing in skin cancer care, Dr. Santiago utilizes advanced photographic techniques to meticulously monitor suspicious lesions. His approach includes capturing high-resolution images, creating comprehensive patient historical and photographic clinical files, ensuring accurate tracking of changes over time, and enabling early detection and timely intervention. This approach enhances diagnostic precision, provides patients with a clear visual history of their skin health, complements clinical observations with detailed visual records, and fosters a proactive approach to skin cancer prevention and treatment.

Early detection

Dr. Santiago is skilled in the early detection of skin cancers, using advanced dermoscopic pattern recognition to identify malignancies at their earliest stages. His approach includes utilizing this technology for early detection, establishing early management plans for lesions of concern, and analyzing pigment patterns with a keen eye for detail. Key techniques involve using state-of-the-art dermatoscopes for meticulous examination, examining moles, freckles, and other skin abnormalities, and distinguishing benign from malignant lesions with high accuracy. This enables prompt identification of skin cancers such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, and recognizing subtle changes and atypical features in skin lesions.

Dr. Santiago is highly skilled in the procedural removal of skin cancer, discussing the most suitable surgical technique with patients to ensure the safest removal while achieving clear margins and preserving the cosmetic and functional aspects of the affected region. Key aspects of his care involve managing peri-operative care effectively, ensuring effective anesthesia, controlling infection, and promoting optimal wound healing. For complex lesions not manageable in primary care, he refers patients to plastic surgery specialists. His expertise ensures the best possible outcomes for skin cancer removal.

Procedural technique

General Practice

Menstrual Disorders and Menopause Management:
Diagnosing and treating conditions related to menstrual irregularities or menopause.

Prenatal Visits:
Regular check-ups to monitor the health of the mother and early detection of obstetric risk.

Paediatrics:
Conducting regular check-ups to monitor growth, development, and immunizations.

Injury Diagnosis and Treatment:
Evaluating and treating sports-related injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures.

Mental Health Care Plans:
Providing individual or group therapy sessions to address mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress.