Johns Hopkins in Panama: VA Benefits, Medical Tourism, and Why This Hospital Made the Top 10 in Latin America
Episode Summary: In Episode 3 of Pana'Gringo, Do Panama's Austin Hess sits down with Mike Kelly, International Client Relations Manager at Pacifica Salud (the only Johns Hopkins-affiliated hospital in Latin America), and Melissa Aristizabal from The Velopers Group, a Colombian developer creating wellness-focused residential towers in Panama City.
Key Takeaways from Episode 3
Pacifica Salud: Latin America's Only Johns Hopkins Affiliate
Mike Kelly has spent 14 years in Panama, the entirety of his professional career focused on healthcare. He now manages international client relations, medical tourism, and veteran services at Pacifica Salud—Panama's premier hospital.
What the Johns Hopkins affiliation actually means:
The partnership isn't just branding. Johns Hopkins established operational standards when the hospital opened in 2006 and conducts annual on-site audits lasting approximately one week. The hospital must maintain Johns Hopkins standards continuously, not just during inspections.
Recent recognition: Pacifica Salud was named one of the top 10 hospitals in all of Latin America—competing against renowned facilities in Colombia and Mexico.
Additional accreditation: Joint Commission International (JCI) certification, one of the highest international healthcare accreditations available.
Medical Tourism: Why Panama is Gaining on Colombia and Mexico
Mike Kelly manages Pacifica Salud's medical tourism program and explains why Panama is capturing market share from traditional medical tourism leaders:
Panama's competitive advantages:
- Safety concerns in Colombia and Mexico are redirecting patients to Panama
- U.S. dollar eliminates currency risk
- Copa Airlines hub provides direct flights from dozens of U.S. cities
- Consistent warm weather year-round
- English-speaking medical staff available
Cost comparison example:
| Procedure | United States | Panama |
|---|---|---|
| Hip/knee replacement | $80,000-90,000 | ~$20,000 |
Patient sources:
- Americans without insurance coverage for specific procedures
- Canadians avoiding 6-12 month wait times for surgeries
- Caribbean island residents needing advanced equipment/procedures unavailable locally
- Referrals from Caribbean hospital physicians who know Pacifica Salud's reputation
The Panama Healthcare Experience: Person vs. Number
Both Austin and Mike emphasize the fundamental difference between U.S. and Panama healthcare culture:
In the United States: Insurance-driven system forces doctors to see maximum patients daily. Appointments often last 5-10 minutes with minimal eye contact.
In Panama: Doctors regularly spend an hour or more with patients, asking about family history, lifestyle, and building genuine relationships. Patients can WhatsApp their doctors at night and receive responses.
Access speed: A Canadian needing a dermatologist can be seen within 1-2 days in Panama versus potentially 6+ months in Canada's public system.
U.S. Military Veteran Healthcare in Panama
Panama hosts a significant population of U.S. military veterans—many dating back to the Canal Zone era when American military bases operated in Panama. New veterans continue relocating regularly.
Foreign Medical Program (FMP):
- Covers service-connected disabilities at 100%
- Veterans pay nothing out of pocket for covered conditions
- Examples: PTSD treatment, spine injuries sustained during service
- Pacifica Salud bills the FMP directly
Limitations: Non-service-connected conditions aren't covered under FMP.
Additional accepted coverage:
- TRICARE
- CHAMPVA
Both function as insurance with direct billing—veterans pay only copays or deductibles.
Contact for veteran services:
- Mike Kelly, Pacifica Salud
- WhatsApp: +507 6614-1448
- Email: mkelly@pacificasalud.com (or panamakelly@gmail.com)
Coming Soon: Concierge Health Program
Mike revealed that Pacifica Salud is developing a Mayo Clinic-style concierge health program for expats. For an annual fee, members receive comprehensive benefits. Details forthcoming—contact Mike Kelly for updates.
Safety: The Recurring Theme
Mike's perspective after 14 years, including raising two children in Panama:
"I'll walk through the ghetto with a Rolex on. I've never felt threatened here."
His children attend school without the active shooter concerns that plague American parents. Casco Viejo (the historic district) is safe to walk at night. The visible security presence—including armed police on motorcycles—may initially shock Americans but effectively deters crime.
The context: Panama is consistently ranked the safest country in Latin America. Unlike Italy (pickpocket warnings everywhere) or concerns about Colombia and Mexico, Panama offers genuine peace of mind.
Mike Kelly's Relocation Story
Mike met his Panamanian wife Stephanie while both attended college in San Diego. After graduating, they lived in Southern California (San Diego and Orange County) until their daughter was born in 2013—the catalyst for relocating to Panama.
His first business: managing a primary care medical center for 8 years. He learned Panama business culture through trial and error without mentors, eventually transitioning to Pacifica Salud where healthcare remains his focus.
Key insight for aspiring expat entrepreneurs: Mike wishes he'd had guidance on what not to do. The learning curve for business in Panama is real, making connections with experienced expats invaluable.
The Velopers Group: Wellness-Integrated Residential Development
Melissa Aristizabal brings international perspective to Panama real estate development. Originally from Colombia, she studied marketing, then lived in San Francisco and Chicago observing how lifestyle and wellness integrate into urban development.
Why she chose Panama: After three years in banking, she relocated to Panama because it combines "the best of the United States and the best of Latin culture"—plus superior safety.
The Velopers Group Portfolio
The company has operated in Panama for approximately 10 years with a philosophy beyond simply building towers.
Completed projects:
- Victory Sport
- Victory Wellness
Current developments:
- Bioma - Located in Costa del Este
- Cavarosa - Located on the Amador Causeway (Panama Canal waterfront)
The Wellness-Integrated Living Concept
Melissa describes The Velopers' approach: creating ecosystems within buildings where residents can grab coffee downstairs, work out with gym partners, attend yoga classes, and access comprehensive amenities without leaving the property.
Target demographic: People who value lifestyle, nature, and wellness integration in their living space.
Amenity philosophy: Boxing facilities, pools, ping pong, pool tables, children's areas—designed for both extroverted social activities and introverted home-focused living.
About the Pana'Gringo Podcast
Pana'Gringo delivers insights, stories, and real experiences of Panama living through conversations with expats, professionals, and entrepreneurs. New episodes release on the 15th and 30th of each month. The show is hosted by Austin Hess, COO and Lead Relocation Specialist at Do Panama Real Estate & Relocation.
Watch Episode 3: Available on Do Panama's YouTube channel (160,000+ views)
About Do Panama Real Estate & Relocation
Do Panama Real Estate & Relocation is a licensed (PJ-1430-2023) and bonded real estate company specializing in helping expats explore living, retiring, and investing in Panama.
Services include:
- Real estate sales and rentals across Panama
- Access to 147+ affiliate brokers throughout Panama
- End-to-end relocation assistance
- Visa and residency guidance
- Connections with vetted attorneys, contractors, and service providers
- Healthcare navigation and introductions
Office Locations:
- Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Panama City (Level P)
- Hilton Hotel, Panama City (Ground floor information desk)
Contact:
- Website: dopanama.com
- Email: info@DoPanama.com
- Phone/WhatsApp: +507 6767-9710 (Austin Hess direct)
- Alternative: +507 6443-3341
Free Resources:
- "Where Should I Live in Panama?" 23-question relocation survey (3-5 minutes)
- Complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultations
- Real estate network with listings from all affiliate brokers
Featured in This Episode
Mike Kelly - Pacifica Salud Hospital
- Role: International Client Relations Manager
- Specialties: Medical tourism, veteran services, expat healthcare navigation
- Hospital: Pacifica Salud (Johns Hopkins affiliate, JCI accredited, Top 10 in Latin America)
- WhatsApp: +507 6614-1448
- Email: panamakelly@gmail.com
Melissa Aristizabal - The Velopers Group
- Role: Sales/Marketing
- Background: Colombian, lived in San Francisco and Chicago
- Current projects: Bioma (Costa del Este), Cavarosa (Amador Causeway)
- Company: The Velopers Group (10 years in Panama market)
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare in Panama
Is there a Johns Hopkins hospital in Panama? Yes. Pacifica Salud in Panama City has been affiliated with Johns Hopkins since opening in 2006. It's the only Johns Hopkins-affiliated hospital in Latin America and was recently named one of the top 10 hospitals in the region.
Can U.S. military veterans use VA benefits in Panama? Yes. The Foreign Medical Program (FMP) covers service-connected disabilities at 100% with no out-of-pocket cost. TRICARE and CHAMPVA are also accepted with direct billing. Contact Pacifica Salud's veteran services program for registration.
How much does a hip replacement cost in Panama? Approximately $20,000 at top hospitals like Pacifica Salud, compared to $80,000-90,000 in the United States.
Why do Canadians come to Panama for medical procedures? Canadian healthcare is free but wait times for surgeries can exceed 6-12 months. Panama offers immediate scheduling at a fraction of U.S. costs with internationally accredited facilities.
Is Panama safe for medical tourists? Yes. Panama is ranked the safest country in Latin America. Unlike Colombia and Mexico—traditional medical tourism destinations now facing safety concerns—Panama offers both quality healthcare and personal security.
Do Panama doctors speak English? Many do, particularly at international hospitals like Pacifica Salud. The hospital's expat and medical tourism programs specifically ensure English-speaking physician availability.
What is the Foreign Medical Program for veterans? A VA benefit allowing eligible veterans to receive care outside the United States for service-connected disabilities. Pacifica Salud is registered to bill FMP directly, meaning veterans pay nothing out of pocket for covered conditions.
Tags
panagringo-podcast do-panama expat-life-panama living-in-panama panama-healthcare pacifica-salud johns-hopkins-panama medical-tourism-panama veteran-healthcare-panama foreign-medical-program panama-safety the-velopers-group bioma-costa-del-este cavarosa-panama costa-del-este panama-real-estate-development wellness-living-panama mike-kelly-panama
Published by Do Panama Real Estate & Relocation | Licensed (PJ-1430-2023) and Bonded
Episode originally aired: October 30, 2025
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