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Advances in Surgery | PodcastAuthor: Advances in Surgery
Our mission is to offer universal access to excellent lifelong surgical training / learning shouldnt be exclusive to a few privileged HCPs. Surgery has advanced more in the last 15 years than in the past 150 years, and only 3% of healthcare professionals in the world can keep up to date (due to time, resources and other restrictions). At AIS we believe in facilitating free remote access to excellent surgical contents (synchronous or on demand) provided by the best international surgeons. Language: en Genres: Health & Fitness, Medicine Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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From Colombian Roots to American Heights: Dr. Antonio Caycedo-Marulanda's Journey as an Academic Surgeon
Thursday, 12 February, 2026
In this compelling episode of our AIS Channel podcast, Dr. Antonio Caycedo-Marulanda, Chief of Colorectal Surgery at Orlando Health in Florida, shares an inspiring narrative of perseverance, adaptation, and triumph. The episode delves into Dr. Caycedo-Marulanda's remarkable transition from his origins in Colombia to becoming a leading academic surgeon in one of America's premier health systems. The discussion is enriched with personal anecdotes, professional insights, and advice for aspiring international medical graduates (IMGs), making it a must-listen for medical students, residents, and seasoned professionals alike.Dr. Caycedo-Marulanda begins by recounting his early life in Colombia, where he was born and raised in a vibrant yet resource-constrained environment that fueled his passion for medicine. He completed his medical degree at a Colombian university in 1997, followed by a rigorous general surgery residency, graduating in 2003. The podcast highlights the challenges of practicing in a developing country, including limited access to advanced technology and high-stakes cases that demanded ingenuity. Motivated by a desire for specialized training and broader impact, he made the bold decision to immigrate to Canada. This move marked a pivotal turning point, as he navigated the complexities of revalidating his credentials in a new system. He repeated his general surgery residency at the University of Ottawa, enduring the emotional and financial strains of starting over while adapting to cultural differences and a colder climate.The podcast explores the academic surgeon's dual role—balancing clinical duties with research and mentorship—emphasizing how his Colombian background instilled a resilient work ethic that propelled his success in Canada's academic landscape.Transitioning to the United States in 2023, Dr. Caycedo-Marulanda describes his recruitment to Orlando Health as System Chief of Colorectal Surgery and Medical Director. He candidly addresses the visa hurdles, board recertifications, and cultural shifts involved in this cross-border move, including the differences between Canadian universal healthcare and the U.S. system's emphasis on efficiency and innovation. A key theme is overcoming imposter syndrome as an IMG, where he credits mentorship from figures in the ASCRS and his family's support for his ascent. He shares practical tips on networking, publishing early, and pursuing advanced degrees like his MSc to stand out in competitive fields.Throughout the episode, Dr. Caycedo-Marulanda underscores the value of diversity in surgery, advocating for more inclusive pathways for international talent. He reflects on how his journey from Colombia—marked by humility, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence—has shaped his leadership style, fostering multidisciplinary teams at Orlando Health. The podcast concludes with forward-looking advice: embrace failures as learning opportunities, seek global collaborations, and prioritize work-life balance to sustain long-term success.
