Page 11 - Outstanding Women Friendly Physicians (2)

Dr. Stefan Moldovan

By Judith A. Habert

On my first meeting with Dr. Stefan Moldovan it was obvious that
he was indeed deserving of the title “Outstanding Women Friendly
Physician.” His patients told us that what made him special,
beyond his impressive medical credentials, was his kindness. Dr
Moldovan is Board Certified in General surgery, but has several
specialties. One of his main areas of expertise is Breast Surgery.
He has been (literally) a life saver to women who were diagnosed
with breast cancer or the suspicion of breast cancer as a result of
cancer screening. One of the patients who nominated Dr. Moldo-
van had the following statement regarding the doctor, whom she
referred to as “the best doctor in the world.” She was diagnosed
with suspicion of breast cancer and was referred to Dr. Moldovan,
she recalls her meeting with the doctor, “He was so kind and car-
ing. I was so scared I couldn’t think straight. He made me believe
that there was life after breast cancer, and thanks to him I am fully
recovered, and definitely feel I owe my life to him. He is a real
sweetheart.”
We have found a similar characteristic among these special doc-
tors who care so much: They chose medicine because they love myself with the same patient, the better for the patient. I will do
the field. Dr. Moldovan knew as a young child growing up in Bu- several procedures in my office including ultrasound and needle
charest, Romania, that he wanted to be a doctor. His mother was biopsies, so the patients do not have to go into the hospital for this
a primary care physician and he was fascinated with her anatomy care, which often makes them more at ease.”
books. Life was tough for a doctor in Romania-; he watched his In addition to breast surgery, Dr Moldovan also performs gastroin-
mom travel for hours to get to a village needing medical care, at testinal surgery and vascular surgery. San Diego Vascular Center
times staying away from home for days to care for her patients. Dr. has a vascular vein practice which is noted throughout the county.
Moldovan went to medical school in Romania, but decided to travel
to the US to do his surgical residency. There were several factors I asked Dr. Moldovan about his vascular practice where he treats
that led to his decision to leave Romania, “The political and eco- many women. “We treat both men and women in this area, but
nomic climate in Romania was rough. It was hard to gain a position women tend to come to us earlier in the progression of the dis-
in the city unless you had political connections, so if you were to be ease. Often because they have spider veins and they do not like
a physician you would most likely be working in the countryside. In the way they look, so they are in search of a treatment to remove San Diego
these villages it was hard for a physician to be affective given only a them. Often they don’t feel they have symptoms of varicose veins Woman
stethoscope, a blood pressure cuff, two or three drugs, and nothing until they get the procedure done and realize they were having
else.” pain or discomfort as a result of the problem. Men will come for the
Dr Moldovan’s family was supportive of his move to complete his treatment, but usually only when the pain has become an issue or
training and start a life in the United States. He traveled here in ulcerations are present.” 11
1991 to complete his surgical training, part of it at UCLA and part
at Baylor College of Medicine. With a love of research and teach- When asked how he felt about his nomination you could see him
ing, Dr. Moldovan originally planned to venture into academia. He swell with pride and humility “I don’t know any other way to treat
remained for two years as an assistant professor at Baylor College patients. They often come to me at a time when they are faced
of Medicine, well known as a center for cardio vascular surgery. with fear. I often have bad news for them and it is never easy, so I
After his time as a professor he felt a need to venture into private take my time talking and explaining what the progression of treat-
practice. Dr. Moldovan accepted an offer from a colleague he met ment will be, and it seems to help calm them down and make them
at Baylor and moved to San Diego as one of the prestigious staff feel a sense of comfort knowing I will do all I can to help them.”
of the San Diego Vascular Center. Dr. Moldovan works alongside
some of the best physicians in their field: Dr. Anatoly Bulkin and Aside from the pride Dr. Moldovan takes in his practice he feels
Dr. Alexander (Sasha) Salloum. Dr. Bulkin was doing his vascular even more when it comes to his family. He loves the time spent
fellowship at Baylor School of Medicine while Dr. Moldovan was with his family mountain biking or at the beach. You can see his
completing his surgical residency. Dr. Salloum joined the team a face light up when he speaks of his wife Adina and his two sons
few years ago and is also fellowship trained in vascular surgery. Matthew, 13 and Alex-
ander, 12. He values
Dr. Moldovan does multiple surgical procedures, but breast health the time spent with
is of great importance to him. He is actively involved in a cancer them and summed
detection program through an organization in North County that it up when asked
serves underprivileged patients. He sees many patients who come about his family
to him through this free service. The existence of these screening with four simple but
services in these communities has helped detect cancer in patients meaningful words,
that would have previously gone undetected. “They are my
universe.”
Dr. Moldovan noted, “There is often a long period of time from
when a suspicious finding is noted and surgery is performed, often
3 months, which is too long for this problem to go untreated. I
strongly believe in the continuity of care, so the more I see and do