After graduating from the School of Medicine of the University of PR, Ivan Figueroa-Otero trains as General Surgeon at the University Hospital of the UPR, integrating a one-year fellowship in the study of cancer, and one in experimental research and clinic. Post-graduate studies in Pediatric Surgery at Miami Children's Hospital and the Hospital of San Juan Municipal Hospital followed.
Looking for non-surgical or less invasive options for pediatric conditions, Ivan Figueroa-Otero MD explores Eastern philosophies that emphasize a holistic concept. He was one of the first physicians to become certified in medical acupuncture in Puerto Rico, training in traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture with professors from the University of Seville. Eventually, he was certified in medical acupuncture nationwide.
In 2009, the Dr. got a certification in anti-aging medicine and in December of that year he retired from the practice of pediatric surgery, focusing instead on a comprehensive, or holistic medicine practice and emphasizing disease prevention and modifying styles life. In 2011 he was invited to become a Trustee of the American Board of Medical Acupuncture, which is the national body responsible for certifying physicians in the field of acupuncture through national exams. In that same year, he was recognized by Natural Awakenings Magazine as Holistic Physician of the Year.
Ivan Figueroa-Otero MD is currently engaged in his private practice and continues in his role as an educator, trying to achieve full integration of traditional Chinese acupuncture courses in the curriculum of medical schools, allowing the physicians to be certified both locally and nationally, and to establish clinical research protocols on the use of acupuncture in known conditions compared to the methodology established by modern medicine. Another immediate priority is to incorporate meditation techniques and their role in preventive and therapeutic medicine.
Dr. Figueroa-Otero is the author of the School of Life trilogy: Spirituality 101 For the Dropouts of the School of Life, Spirituality 1.2 For the Disconnected from the School of Life, and Spirituality 103: The Key to Forgiveness. His books received awards from institutions like the Benjamin Franklin Award, NIEA Award, Readers Favorite, Beverly Hills Award, and USA Best Book Awards. They have also received great reviews by Focus on Women Magazine and the Kirkus Book Review, among others.
“Healing is a process of facilitation by the therapist and empowerment by the patient.”
Ivan Figueroa-Otero MD focuses his holistic medicine practice in the use of medical acupuncture treatments, as developed in Traditional Chinese Medicine. He uses needles and laser acupuncture for kids and adults alike in the San Juan, Puerto Rico area. His goal is to help patients in their search for total balance, in order to achieve physical, mental & spiritual wellness. This, in turn, stimulates the reprogramming of their lifestyles, nutrition habits, and stress control skills.