Whitney Aronson
New York, NY
To Whom It May Concern: Dr. Moguel changed my life. I was treated by Dr. Moguel in November of 2017. I have systemic scleroderma with gastroparesis and lung involvement. Five months ago, my family and I took a cruise from Miami to Cuba. While at sea, I became very ill. My oxygen saturation was down in the 70’s and I was very weak and dizzy. I was evacuated to CostaMed Cozumel and Dr. Moguel’s care. Dr. Moguel found that I had severe pneumonia and my heart was failing. He also discovered pulmonary hypertension (a condition that I had not peviously been aware of). I was hospitalized for nearly a week. The doctor visited me every day and spent a great deal of time with me. He truly went beyond diagnostics and medication, and took an interest in my whole person. We talked about my feelings and he told me about cutting edge medical advances, lifestyle and dietary adjustments I should consider. Those conversations inspired me to change the entire way I approach my condition. Since returning to New York, I have mobilized my medical team, added doctors and we are actively pursuing new treatments. I have drastically altered my eating habits and am already seeing positive changes. In the months since my Cozumel hospitalization, Dr. Moguel has kept in touch and periodically checked in on my progress. How many doctors do that? Dr. Moguel made me feel important and safe, while also making sure that I was well-informed. He is kind, but he is also forthright. I imagine he is this way with everyone he treats and works with. In my week I spent at CostaMed, I also observed that the hospital staff has great respect and affection for him. I understand why. No one ever wants to get sick, but I honestly believe that I was lucky that this crisis happened when it did, because I don’t think anyone would have taken better care of me than Dr. Rafael Moguel. Sincerely, Whitney Aronson
