Consider the incredible journey of Dr. Diego González Rivas, a thoracic surgeon whose career spans 136 countries and has touched the lives of over 10,000 patients. Operating from a mobile operating room, Dr. González has redefined what it means to be a traveling surgeon, bringing cutting-edge, minimally invasive techniques to communities around the globe.

Dr. González’s innovative methods have transformed traditional open-chest surgery into procedures performed through a single, tiny incision. Techniques such as uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and uniportal robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) now allow patients to be discharged within 48 hours after lung cancer operations. This breakthrough not only reduces pain and complications but also dramatically shortens recovery times—a true revolution in patient care.

At the forefront of his career, Dr. González witnessed the limitations of conventional thoracic surgery. The pain caused by separating the ribs and the long-lasting discomfort of open-chest procedures drove him to seek alternatives. Inspired by advanced techniques he learned during his time in the United States—where he trained under pioneers in minimally invasive surgery—he refined these methods until they became his signature approach.

His work extends far beyond the operating room. Driven by a deep desire to help those in need, Dr. González has traveled extensively, performing surgeries in challenging environments. From the bustling hospitals of Europe to under-resourced facilities in Africa and Asia, he adapts to each setting with ingenuity and compassion. One remarkable example from his travels includes a mobile hospital equipped with high-definition cameras, solar panels, satellite connectivity, and a full surgical suite—an innovation that has enabled minimally invasive procedures in remote regions.

Dr. González’s story is not just about pioneering techniques and groundbreaking surgeries; it is also a tale of perseverance, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of innovation.

Despite the many obstacles along the way—from unreliable power supplies during surgeries in developing countries to the logistical challenges of constant travel—Dr. González remains undeterred. He often reflects on the early days that inspired him: watching his mother, a nurse, care for patients and feeling the strong pull to help others. That childhood vision has evolved into a mission to bring the latest medical advancements to every corner of the world, regardless of local resources.

Dr. González’s story is not just about pioneering techniques and groundbreaking surgeries; it is also a tale of perseverance, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of innovation. Even when his own hospital in A Coruña resisted change, he pushed forward, earning international acclaim and inspiring future generations of surgeons. His efforts have turned obstacles into opportunities, proving that when passion meets technology, lives can be transformed.

Join us as we explore the fascinating journey of Dr. Diego González Rivas—a man who operates on continents, adapts to diverse challenges, and continually redefines the boundaries of modern surgery. His story is a testament to the power of innovation, compassion, and the unyielding human spirit.