Written by Bloom Magazine
Mauricio Herrera, MD is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon at Miami Institute for Joint Reconstruction
Tell us a little about yourself and who you are?
I'm an orthopedic surgeon, living in Miami for the last 16 years. I am of Colombian descent, born and raised in Queens NYC. Growing up in NYC taught me how to live and work with people from all over the world. Speaking Spanish sh at home also prepared me for my medical career in Miami. I couldn't be happier in Miami.
What is your “why?” What inspires you every day to do more/better?
I love making my patients better and finding out they either went back to work or finished that Triathlon they had been training for.
Take us back to when you first began in medicine what was it like for you?
During my time volunteering at the Manhattan VA in New York City, I was enlightened as to what my life was going to be like. I met some medical students who encouraged me to be a doctor and it soon became my dream. So you can say I have my "dream job. Actually, it’s s not a job at all, it’s s my calling.
What is the most challenging part about your job?
Patients' care, unfortunately, gets delayed by the system which then makes it difficult for us to make the patient better. For example, a patient with MRI- diagnosed small rotator cuff tear who has surgery quickly, gets to MMI faster than waiting months later; the tear now has progressed and the surgery and its inherent post-op rehab are now harder to accomplish, and less chance of a full recovery.
What is your philosophy in treating a WC patient?
Try to get to the root of the problem that I can help with. These patients come with much baggage and many complaints. My job is to improve their joint but they want me to treat every problem they have. It's tough for the patient but I like laying the ground rules early.
If you could change one thing about the WC industry what would it be?
All WC injured patients should get an MRI early in the process--too many patients are delayed in getting an MRI and this delays their referral to a specialist who can better treat a surgical problem rather than keep doing physical therapy with no improvement.
If you could give one wellness tip what would it be?
It's so important to stay healthy by exercising at least 3-5 days /week and eating healthy.
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