Humanity in medical practice: Interview with Dr. Ronny Aquinin

Who is Dr. Ronny Aquinin?

Born in Venezuela, Dr Aquinin emigrated to the United States at the age of 15. He completed his undergraduate studies at Yeshiva University in New York and studied medicine at the Central University of the Caribbean in Puerto Rico. He specialized in Internal Medicine at SUNY Downstate in New York.

His first job was in Miami, where he worked as an internist. He worked in a hospital the first year and a half, and for the last 15 years, he has worked in private practice.

“My practice is low volume and very similar to European or South American practices, where the doctor is a friend of the patient, and with a very familiar and close relationship,” says Dr. Ronny Aquinin, for whom the well-being of his patients is a priority.

Humanistic approach and his Relationship with patients

For Dr. Aquinin, it is crucial that patients feel they are in good hands, regardless of how much time he spends with them.

“Medicine is best practiced when you have a good knowledge base and when you demonstrate humanism.”

“For me, it is important to develop a bond of trust with the patient. I have an office in the Mount Sinai hospital complex, which allows me to provide care to hospitalized patients. Additionally, in recent years, I have led the palliative care group at the hospital, providing care to patients in the final stages of their lives,” he tells us about part of his current career.

Main pathologies and focus on prevention

Today, the most common pathologies in his field are hypertension and diabetes, and he notes that there has been a worrying increase in mental health problems and cancer in young patients.

“In my practice, I emphasize the importance of constant monitoring and the use of innovative technologies for the treatment of hypertension and diabetes,”  the doctor says.

Today, there are technologies that allow continuous monitoring of patients providing real-time data that help adjust treatments effectively. These innovations are crucial for the successful management of pathologies such as hypertension and diabetes.

“I also had a mother who died of cancer at a young age, and that marks you. I have a sixth sense that emphasizes cancer prevention.”

Regarding the increase in cancer cases in young people, Dr. Aquinin assures that it is not only colon cancer but all types. When asked about the possible reason, he believes that medicine does not have a concrete answer.

“Humbly, I consider that stress levels and changes in nutrition have a lot to do with the development of cancer in young people, but here in the United States, I think the lack of access to medicine sadly allows these cases to slip through the cracks. We are living in a very stressful society with many financial needs, and I believe that unfortunately, stress and nutrition are the foundation of most pathology seen at a younger age,” he adds.

How does he emphasize cancer prevention to his patients?

“In the United States, we follow what is called Evidence-Based Medicine, where there are various congresses that give different recommendations. Amongst many are the American Cancer Society, and the Academy of Family Medicine. Basically, what they give you are guidelines to prevent cancer, depending on the patient’s age, sex, and risk factors; a person who is 40 and is a woman, you start looking for breast cancer. Similarly, with men, you start looking for prostate cancer. A person who is 45 years old, regardless of gender, is recommended a colonoscopy to look for evidence of colorectal cancer. So, the idea is that when a patient has a good relationship with his doctor, he avoids missing important dates and, therefore, being diagnosed with something in its late stage. The emphasis on prevention has to do with timely appointments where the conversation with the patient serves as a reminder to carry out these tests.”

Great moment of satisfaction in his career

Of course, accompanying a successful career also brings great satisfaction. An example of this is tied to his personal life which he treasures to this day.

“When I emigrated from Venezuela, it was  at the same time as one of my best friends. We had the opportunity to go to university together in New York. After we separated for medical school, however, we reunited again for residency. We practiced almost at the same time, but sadly during the coronavirus outbreak, he got sick and needed to be in intensive care, intubated, and on a ventilator. It was nearly three months of my life dedicated almost exclusively to him. At that point, I needed to transfer him to a hospital to be considered for a lung transplant. Thankfully he quickly improved and did not need the transplant. I think it’s very hard to describe the emotions you go through when you are a part of saving the life of your best friend, who incidentally has five children. It was a very special moment. I was truly devoted entirely to him, and miraculously he turned around. He returned to practicing medicine, and today, he is the trophy of this hospital, but he is also my trophy, a great moment in my life. That will always be my great moment of satisfaction in my career: having saved the life of my best friend.”

How does he stay healthy?

Despite the hectic life of a doctor in the United States, Dr. Ronny Aquinin strives to stay healthy.

“I exercise three times a week with a personal trainer, combining cardiovascular exercises with weights and bands. We exercise in an outdoor park because it is also important to interact with nature, and that helps me mentally and physically.”

Additionally, he adds that he dedicates time to the study of religious topics, which helps him maintain mental and spiritual balance.

“I dedicate a lot of time to studying certain religious topics that are universal to all religions, and these topics have to do with understanding our role on this planet. Having faith in the Creator, and knowing that everything that happens, happens for something better, even if we sometimes don’t realize it. I read this kind of material to understand our position, knowing that you are like a piece in a chess game. When something seemingly negative happens, it is not but an appearance. I dedicate about an hour and a half daily to reading these topics, which help me understand my position, not get upset, and allow me to live a more peaceful life because of this platform of understanding,” he adds.

The importance of having international insurance

For Dr. Aquinin, having international insurance is crucial. International insurance tends to offer more flexibility and fewer complications than governmental insurance in the United States, thus allowing patients to choose their doctors freely and receive quick reimbursements for services.

“The beauty of international insurance is that you sail with your ship and go wherever you want, and that has a lot of value.”