Recommended General Surgeons in the David-Boquete Area

The David-Boquete area has 2 highly recommended general surgeons: Dr. Caballero, who visits Boquete's Dr. Shannon Lynn Tuer clinic weekly and is praised for exceptional surgical skill and compassionate care, and Dra. Injurain at Mae Lewis facility, both offering significantly lower costs than US procedures (50-70% less).

Dr. Caballero - The Community Favorite

Dr. Caballero is consistently mentioned as the go-to general surgeon in the Chiriquí region. He has earned a stellar reputation among expats not only for his surgical skills but also for his genuine bedside manner and the way he treats patients like family.

What Expats Say About Dr. Caballero

• "He saved my son's life and was so caring, kind, and humble throughout the entire ordeal. We cannot recommend him highly enough."
• "I had surgery with Dr. Caballero and absolutely love him! He's a good man AND an excellent surgeon - that combination is rare."
• "We have never felt so well taken care of. He explained everything clearly and checked on us multiple times during recovery."
• "His follow-up care was exceptional. He gave us his personal cell phone number and told us to call anytime with concerns."

Where to Find Dr. Caballero

Here's the good news for Boquete residents: Dr. Caballero visits Dr. Shannon Lynn Tuer's clinic in Boquete once a week to see patients. This means you can get a consultation locally without having to travel to David for an initial appointment. This convenience is a huge plus for those of us who prefer to minimize trips down the mountain.

For surgeries and more complex procedures, you'll go to his facilities in David, but the local consultations make the initial evaluation process much easier.

Dra. Injurain at Mae Lewis

For those who prefer the Mae Lewis medical facility or are already established there as patients, Dra. Injurain comes highly recommended for surgical procedures.

What Expats Say About Dra. Injurain

• "My husband just had surgery with her. She is phenomenal! Professional, skilled, and made us feel completely at ease."
• "Excellent communication before and after the procedure. She took time to answer all our questions."

Where to Find Dra. Injurain

Mae Lewis is a well-known medical facility in the David-Boquete corridor that many expats use for various healthcare needs. You can schedule consultations and procedures there directly. The facility is modern and well-equipped for surgical procedures. Learn more about Mae Lewis services.

Tips for Scheduling Surgery in Panama

Based on community experience, here's how to handle the surgical process smoothly:

• Get a consultation first: Both surgeons are available for consultations before scheduling any procedure. This gives you a chance to assess your comfort level and ask questions.
• Ask about local availability: Dr. Caballero's weekly visits to Boquete can save you multiple trips to David for consultations and follow-ups.
• Bring your medical records: If you have previous imaging, test results, or surgical history, bring everything to your consultation. This helps the surgeon understand your complete medical picture.
• Discuss costs upfront: Medical care in Panama is generally much more affordable than in the US or Canada, but it's always good to understand the full cost before proceeding. Ask about surgeon fees, facility fees, anesthesia, and any expected follow-up care.
• Language considerations: Both surgeons work with expat patients regularly and are accustomed to communicating with English speakers. However, having a Spanish-speaking friend or translator can help if your Spanish is limited, especially for detailed medical discussions.
• Plan for recovery: Depending on your procedure, you may need someone to drive you home and help for a few days. The expat community is generally wonderful about helping each other during recovery periods.

What to Expect Cost-Wise

While specific prices vary based on the procedure, Panama's medical costs are typically 50-70% less than comparable procedures in the United States. Many expats are pleasantly surprised by the affordability, especially for those without insurance. Both Dr. Caballero and Dra. Injurain can provide cost estimates during your consultation.