Global Health Program | Hackensack Meridian Health   

Urology Global Health Program Paves the Way for International Patients Seeking Advanced Urological Care

Concierge Experience Helps Patients Focus on Their Health

Urology Global Health

Patients from around the world travel to Hackensack University Medical Center’s Department of Urology for its internationally recognized complex urological procedures using innovative minimally invasive surgical techniques. International patients face challenges navigating long-distance travel while managing a health condition and accessing medical care in a foreign country — all of which can be overwhelming.

That’s where Kimberly Caesar, MBA, director of Global Health at Hackensack Meridian Health, comes in. Caesar and her team assist international patients with all of the non-medical “details” — scheduling appointments, assisting with financial arrangements, arranging airport transfers, lodging and translation services, answering logistical questions, coordinating with the patient’s medical team and shepherding patients through their care experience.

Creating a Concierge Experience

Caesar and her team provide patients with a daily agenda, accompany the patients to appointments, escort them to surgery and support their travel companion — even ensuring all dietary requirements are met.

When Dr. Suzanne A. Al-Bustan, professor and head of the Department of Biological Sciences at Kuwait University, was diagnosed with a cyst on her kidney in 2019, Dr. Al-Bustan’s urologist in Kuwait recommended that she have it removed during a robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy procedure. “My urologist and the head of the Department of Urology recommended Dr. Michael Stifelman [professor and chair of the Department of Urology],” said Dr. Al-Bustan.

During a televisit, Dr. Stifelman explained the procedure, risks and prognosis. “With our expertise in robotics and partial nephrectomy — and the ability to use 3D modeling and augmented reality during surgery with IRIS — I felt very confident that I could preserve her kidney and remove the tumor safely,” said Dr. Stifelman. Dr. Al-Bustan was put in touch with Kimberly Caesar.

After her successful procedure, Dr. Al-Bustan spent two nights in the hospital and was very impressed with the care. “Having met Dr. Stifelman and having the procedure here, I would most definitely recommend family and friends — and whoever asks me — to have the procedure done at Hackensack Meridian Health.”

“Our Global Health program focuses on creating a high-quality, concierge patient experience, the perfect accompaniment to the high-quality urological care provided by Dr. Stifelman and his team,” said Caesar.

Learn more about our advancements in urology at Hackensack University Medical Center.

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