Dr. Eduardo Gharzouzi

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Dr. Eduardo Gharzouzi is an oncologist and surgeon who directs a group of collaborating experts in all fields of cancer treatment to give patients a full spectrum of comprehensive care that will assure the best possible outcome.

As medical director of Integra Cancer Institute since 2019, Dr. Gharzouzi is devoted to guiding his team in the research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer in all specialties. He is also a member of the surgical oncology teams at the three most highly respected private hospitals in Guatemala City.

The most important cancer centers in the world evaluate their patients comprehensively. In Guatemala, Dr. Gharzouzi has perfected the method of discussing cancer cases through multidisciplinary sessions or “tumor boards”, the first of its kind in Central America. A team of trusted specialists meet for deliberations to contribute their own unique knowledge, opinions, and experiences to determine the most effective treatment plan for each individual case. Advanced technology and international protocols allow imaging studies and other results to be reviewed digitally online between various participants. With a broad discussion of the cases and adequate coordination and synchronization between the specialists, Integra’s doctors can achieve the best outcomes for patients.

Dr. Gharzouzi explains, “Most types of cancer require a combination of treatments: surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, oncology, hematology and pathology, as well as complementary support from other specialties such as radiology, nutrition, psychology, physiotherapy, palliative care, pain management, etc. We take extra care to focus on the physical and emotional aspects of every case and agree on our decisions as a cohesive group.”

Not all patients are the same, just as not all cancers are the same. We are doing precision oncology, providing treatments based on medical evidence specific to one unique tumor and one unique patient. From the moment they enter the reception of Integra Cancer Institute, patients become the center of everything.

He continues, “Working together, we all get to know various facets of the patient, so it’s more humane, taking our time, with warmth and affection. When we can listen carefully and discuss options clearly with the patient, there is better communication and therefore fewer mistakes. With all the required sub-specialists working at in Integra Cancer Institute, it saves the patient from having to visit several doctors in different locations.”

“As partners and colleagues, we understand the concerns of the patient and family members since we have gone through the same experiences ourselves. We all know friends and family who have experienced and battled cancer. In a balanced and comprehensive way, we encourage everyone involved to focus on the facts and options to advance with concrete plans without false expectations. We treat patients like our own friends and family, and with new advances we can contribute to giving them a better opportunity for optimum results.”

There is even a patient navigator assigned to each of Dr. Gharzouzi’s patients, to respond to scheduling concerns and requests. “With concern for offering a better therapeutic experience, we want the patient to concentrate on healing and recovering physically and emotionally in the best way possible during treatment. Don’t worry about paperwork, forms, procedures, and insurance because we take care of all that for you.”

Dr. Gharzouzi says, “The best way to fight cancer is through early detection. Don’t wait to have pain or symptoms; get your colonoscopy and mammogram at recommended intervals and talk to a specialist for advice on prevention and education. If you have a family history, or feel a mass or lump, or have abnormal bleeding, please take the time to look further and investigate the cause.”

With Dr. Gharzouzi and the world-class team of Integra Cancer specialists by your side, you can be sure of overcoming the obstacles and living your best life with the support and compassion you deserve.