At 51 years old, I had never been in a hospital and hardly ever been to see a doctor with the exception of some regular check-ups. I was working for Princess Cruises and filming commercials onboard a cruise ship anchored just off the docks at Cabo San Lucas. I suffered a massive heart attack and was carried off the ship by medics and transported to a small hospital in town. It was a scary out-of-body experience. My life was turned upside down.
Not a fan or supporter of the grossly unfair and corrupt U.S. medical industry, I was still nonetheless very worried about the level of healthcare I would receive in this small Mexican port town.
I was never more wrong in my life.
From the moment I was met by Dr. Rafael Moguel it became clear that I was in the hands of a very special physician – one of compassion, decency, and above all – great expertise. Dr. Moguel successfully performed Cardiac Catheterization through my arm (2008) with angioplasty and stent placement. I benefited from a full recovery and after 10+ years back in the U.S., I can state with certainty that my evaluation of Dr. Moguel’s skill, concern, and empathy is well founded. It is not an overstatement to say that Dr. Moguel (now Rafa, a dear friend) not only saved my life but put me on the road to reversing heart disease in dramatic fashion. His personal care – from the medical necessities to his sincere heartfelt attention – was extraordinary… healthcare and compassion that I now realize was VERY special. In fact since my return to Los Angeles (and my care at the famous Cedars-Sinai Medical Center), I have not received care or attention anywhere near the level of that offered by Dr. Moguel.
I was a very lucky to be in that Mexican harbor years ago. I was very lucky to be treated and saved by Dr. Rafael Moguel.
Stephen Vittoria
Los Angeles, California
