Anish Parikh interviews Urologist Dr. Jose (Oche) Silva about his experiences building a practice from scratch after training, and then a Category V hurricane forced him to start over again.

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SHOW NOTES

In this inaugural episode of Backtable Urology, Dr. Jose Silva reflects on his journey to becoming a urologist with host Anish Parikh.

Dr. Silva talks about his early years, growing up in a family of doctors and dentists, and knowing that medicine was a possible path for him. He talks about going back to Puerto Rico for medical school where he developed an interest in general surgery and orthopedic surgery before eventually finding his way to urology. He cites the duality of urology as a clinical and surgical specialty as a major factor in his decision to pursue the field.

Dr. Silva then discusses his decision to stay in Puerto Rico after medical school, and talks about navigating a complex system of hospitals and insurance companies. He recounts anecdotes of networking with other physicians and hospital staff as he worked to start a fledgling practice, and Anish compares the experience to starting a new business.

Finally, the two discuss the impact of Hurricane Maria, which led to Dr. Silva’s decision to move to the mainland. Dr. Silva recalls not being able to practice medicine due to power cuts while also worrying about his pregnant wife, and deciding to move in order to avoid repeating the experience. Today, he practices in Florida where he enjoys the support of a strong hospital system but misses his extended family in Puerto Rico.