Dr. Alejandro Cambiaso is an internationally recognized figure in medical tourism, celebrated for his innovative approach and strategic leadership. As the founder and president of the Dominican Association of Health Tourism (ADTS), he has been the architect of public-private synergies and a comprehensive healthcare model that positions the Dominican Republic as a leader in the Caribbean and a globally competitive destination.
Under his leadership and that of his team, the Dominican Republic ranks first in medical tourism in the Caribbean, second in Latin America, and 19th globally, according to the Medical Tourism Index. This success is reflected in the sector’s sustained growth, which in 2023 attracted over 300,000 health tourists, generating $1.3 billion in economic impact, thousands of jobs, and over 20 billion pesos in new investments.
Key Achievements
1. Driving Medical Tourism as an Economic Pillar:
• Integrated medical tourism into the national agenda, developing initiatives, studies, and multisectoral partnerships that have consolidated the sector as a key driver of economic and social development.
• Co-authored the Dominican Republic Health and Wellness Tourism Guide, an essential tool for promoting the country as a health destination.
• Co-organized the International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress, the most significant event of its kind in Central America and the Caribbean.
• Established the health cluster that leads the Dominican Republic’s exportable healthcare offerings.
2. Technological Innovation in Healthcare:
• Implemented academic exchange and telemedicine programs in collaboration with institutions in Spain, the Caribbean islands, and the United States, improving access to quality healthcare for locals and tourists.
• Integrated cutting-edge technologies and artificial intelligence into healthcare, making services more efficient, accessible, and personalized.
3. International Accreditations and Global Standards:
• First Dominican to join the Global Healthcare Accreditation Standards Committee, the world’s leading accreditor in medical tourism.
• Led the adoption of international certifications in the country’s top medical centers, strengthening their global quality and competitiveness.
• Collaborated with the Dominican Institute for Quality and the Ministry of Health to launch the local medical tourism quality seal and various training programs to enhance the sector’s value chain.
4. Resilient Response During the Pandemic:
• Key contributor to the “Safe Tourism” program, ensuring medical assistance for tourists during the health crisis, boosting international confidence in the destination, and facilitating tourism recovery.
5. Impact on Infrastructure and Employment:
• Organized investment-focused events showcasing projects worth billions of pesos, generating jobs, technological transfers, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
6. Healthcare Sector Innovations:
• As the leader of Médico Express, implemented a pioneering healthcare model, making it the only Fitwell-certified healthcare center in Latin America and home to the highest number of CMTP-certified professionals globally.
Transforming Healthcare and Medical Tourism
Dr. Alejandro Cambiaso has revolutionized medical tourism in the Dominican Republic by promoting innovation, job creation, sustainability, and accessibility in healthcare services. His leadership and ability to unite sectors and stakeholders have transformed the industry into a model for Latin America, positioning the country as a trusted and excellent destination on the global stage.
His integrative vision has strengthened healthcare infrastructure and advanced technologies, benefiting both locals and tourists. Recognized as the Medical Tourism Leader of the Year by the Medical Tourism Association, Dr. Cambiaso exemplifies how synergy between health and tourism can create positive, sustainable impacts on society.