SMMC Contracts Dr. Rico as Neurologist

Philipsburg- Neurologist, Dr. Roberto Rico, recently joined the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) as a specialist providing Neurology services to patients on a bi-weekly basis at SMMC’s new multi-purpose clinic.

Before coming to SMMC, Dr. Rico worked for over 35 years as a Neurologist at the St. Elizabeth Hospital in Curacao. There, he often consulted and treated several patients from St. Maarten during his many years in service.

As a general Neurologist, Dr. Rico can diagnose and treat disorders of the central nervous system such as seizure, stroke, traumatic brain injury, neuromuscular disorders, epilepsy, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and migraine headaches. He is specialized in Neurophysiology, which centers around investigating the function of the nervous system to diagnose and monitor neurological disorders.

Within his capacity he currently diagnoses and, if necessary, prepares patients for further treatment. This removes the need for persons to travel abroad for consultation services and also aids in preparing patients with the proper information in the event that they do have to travel elsewhere to further their treatment.

Dr. Rico states: “Neurology is a fairly new department within SMMC with the potential for exponential growth. Within the near future, the Neurology clinic will further develop to where we can treat a range of disorders within the hospital thus reducing the need for patients traveling abroad for such treatment. I am delighted with the progress made thus far within the hospital and I am happy to be a part of that growth process”.

The Neurology clinic has seen a steady increase in patient appointments since its recent inception. Dr. Rico states: “I have seen numerous patients so far with stress related issues. Stress within one’s environment plays a major role in the health of the body. With such stress related experiences, you get an influx of patients with tension headaches, backaches and neck aches.”

Growing specialty care

We are happy to welcome Dr. Rico to our growing specialty care at SMMC,” said Dr. Felix Holiday, SMMC’s Medical Director. “With Dr. Rico’s arrival at SMMC, the community’s accessibility to neurological services will increase thus reinforcing the hospital’s ongoing commitment to providing quality care to close to home”. 

Patients who wish to see the Neurologist can make an appointment at the Outpatient department at Tel: +(1-721) 543-1111 ext. 1300 or 1378. Appointments can be made from Mondays – Fridays between 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. SZV patients are requested to obtain a referral letter from their family doctor.