Your closest and most natural neurosurgeon: “I give my patients the quality of life they deserve.”

Article published in the newspaper La Razón, editorial staff by Vere Álvarez N

Bernardo Mosqueira shares some of the keys to his personal and professional success and gives us a glimpse into his clinic in Malaga. He is an expert in spinal pathologies ranging from herniated discs and stenosis of the lumbar and cervical canals to spinal cord and brain tumors. His more than 20 years of experience, personalized patient care, and the results of his surgical interventions have led many people from different parts of Spain and regardless of age to turn to him to achieve what pain is preventing them from achieving: improving their quality of life.

The relationship you maintain with your patients sets you apart from other doctors. How does it feel to receive so many displays of affection?

I've always said that when I see a patient come into my office, I love them and begin to feel affection. It's something natural. I like to help people in any way I can, to deal with them, and sometimes it's difficult because they come with so many problems. It's something that has to be done; it's a way of life, and I don't see it as something I should feel; I see it as part of my life. I simply receive what I give. If I give affection, they give me affection. I give my patients the quality of life they deserve.

"When I see a patient come into the office, I love them and begin to feel affection. It's something natural."

He replaces the "usted" with "tú" and uses the informal "tu" when dealing with his patients. What benefits do you think this brings?

It's not premeditated; people are treated as equals. We have different roles; I'm the professional and he's the patient, but deep down, we're two people united by a common purpose: he needs to heal, and I need to help him heal. I'm not superior, better, or worse; we just have different roles. Using the informal "you" approach makes people open up more; they can tell you more, there's more trust, there's respect, and this builds security in the person.

“Using the informal form of address makes people open up more. They can tell you more, there's more trust and respect, and this builds security.”

Where do you get the strength to make the most of your days?

On the one hand, passion. A person has to be passionate about what they do, always wanting to grow and improve. And on the other hand, optimizing the time spent on my talents, which I'm good at, is based on the Pareto principle, which people laugh at when I say it. This is the 80-20 principle: 20% of our effort will generate 80% of benefits. I try to find that 20% that makes me stronger; I invest 80% of my time in that.

Public and private healthcare, family, and sports. And without forgetting the more than 42.000 followers on Facebook...

I always say there's time for everything. I get up at five in the morning almost every day to make the most of every minute possible. I dedicate any free time I have to my followers to connect with them. I use this social network daily because I can share my thoughts, advice, and the posts I make. I answer all their requests and try to help them in any way I can. This builds trust, closeness, and a better relationship.

"I love what I do, I like treating people, and the more the better. Working in both public and private healthcare, I can reach everyone."

What led you to work in both public and private healthcare?

In public healthcare, I learn a lot from having the opportunity to see many patients, and I also love medicine. A public hospital is like a university where we learn many things. I interact with many professionals, and that helps me grow. In the private sector, at Clínica Dr. Mosqueira, I do it because I like treating people, and the more the better, so I can reach everyone. I love what I do, but I also make a profit to support my family and live a better life.

Patients regain their quality of life after their procedures. Would you like to highlight any specific cases?

The case that surprised me most was that of Samuel, a young man who had undergone surgery for a herniated disk. When I first saw him, he was lying down and feeling terrible. Seven months after the procedure, he was working as a Pilates teacher and living a completely independent life—a radical change.

“I would say that 99% of back problems are due to having a weak core and being overweight.”

What advice would you give to someone who suffers from severe back pain that prevents them from leading a normal life?

The main advice I give is to lose weight and strengthen your core: the abdominal and back areas. I'd say 99% of back problems are due to having a weak core and being overweight. In many cases, this isn't enough, or you already have a problem, so you need to see a professional for a diagnosis and, if necessary, a referral for surgery.

What do you think is the essence that leads Dr. Mosqueira Clinic to achieve such good results?

Simplifying what seems difficult to make it easy, that is, not operating on patients who won't improve, giving sound advice to those who can't undergo surgery, and those for whom surgery is indicated using the least invasive technique possible: noninvasive microsurgery, which allows the patient to walk within a few hours of recovery. We offer personalized treatment for each patient, as each is different, although the overall pathology is applicable to all.

What services are offered?

We currently have Dr. Fernando Biguria, a cardiovascular surgeon; Dr. Jesús Romero, a neurologist and pain management physician for people who cannot undergo surgery; and psychologist Estefanía Villanueva. We soon want to add an orthopedic surgeon who operates on knees and hips. We want to gradually expand our portfolio. The idea is to unite all specialties, working together to provide solutions to all the problems our patients face.

Finally, what are your goals for the future?

My short-term goal is to provide better service to patients. In the medium term, to include more specialists in the same clinic, and in the long term, to replicate this style of clinic in other locations across the country so we can offer the same services and the same ways of treating people. In short, my fundamental goal is to create and have more clinics that share the same characteristics.