Dr. Natalia Rivera Specialist General Surgery
Years of Experience : 12
Nationality : Colombia
Languages Known : Spanish, English
Biography
Dr. Natalia Rivera is a highly skilled general surgeon with over a decade of experience in managing a wide range of surgical conditions. She specializes in general and gastrointestinal surgery, hernia repair, complex abdominal wall reconstruction, trauma surgery, and proctology, providing expert care for colorectal and anorectal conditions. Additionally, she has expertise in soft tissue mass excisions, wound care, and pilonidal sinus treatment, ensuring optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes for her patients. Dr. Natalia Rivera has worked as a general surgeon in renowned medical institutions, including a governmental institution in Abu Dhabi and Corporación Hospitalaria Juan Ciudad – Méderi in Colombia. Her expertise in trauma and acute surgical care enables her to perform complex procedures and manage critical cases requiring immediate intervention. She is also highly experienced in advanced hernia repair techniques and complex abdominal wall reconstruction, offering specialized care for patients with challenging abdominal wall conditions. Committed to medical education, She has actively trained residents and medical students, focusing on surgical precision, trauma management, and the latest advancements in minimally invasive techniques. As an Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Instructor, she plays a pivotal role in training healthcare professionals in emergency and trauma care. She is an active member of the Asociación Colombiana de Cirugía, contributing to the advancement of surgical practice and continuous medical education in Colombia and beyond. In addition to her clinical work, she is actively involved in clinical research, with multiple published studies in international peer-reviewed journals focusing on surgical outcomes, trauma surgery, and global perioperative care. Her exceptional surgical skills, patient-centered approach, and commitment to medical education align seamlessly with Burjeel Hospital’s mission to provide world-class healthcare. Her expertise strengthens the General Surgery Department, enhancing the quality of surgical care available to the community. She remains dedicated to delivering high-quality, compassionate, and personalized care, ensuring the best possible outcomes for her patients.
Awards & Achievements
- Top Performer Teaching Assistant – Recognized for outstanding performance in the 2021 Principles and Practice of Clinical Research (PPCR) Program at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Research & Publications
- Collaborating Author - Site Principal Investigator, ColSOS Collaborative Pérez Rivera, C. J., et al. (2024) Title: Colombian Surgical Outcomes Study Insights on Perioperative Mortality Rate, a Main Indicator of the Lancet Commission on Global Surgery - A Prospective Cohort Study. Journal: Lancet Regional Health. Americas, 38, 100862. Focus: Examines perioperative mortality as a key indicator for global surgery metrics.
- Lead Author Rivera-Rincón, N. A., et al. (2021) Title: Study Protocol - Impact of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG on Allergic Reactions and Gut Microbiota Composition in Children with Cow’s Milk Allergy: A Single-Center, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Phase II – MILK ALLERGY Trial. Journal: Principles and Practice of Clinical Research Journal, 7(1), 26–33. Focus: Investigates the role of probiotics in managing cow’s milk allergy in children.
- Co-Author González-Muñoz, A., et al. (2023) Title: Primary Mesenteric Neuroendocrine Tumor: Case Report. Journal: International Journal of Surgery Case Reports, 109, 108517. Focus: Presents a case study on mesenteric neuroendocrine tumors.
- Contributor Member - COVIDSurg Collaborative COVIDSurg Collaborative; GlobalSurg Collaborative (2021) Title: Effects of Pre-Operative Isolation on Postoperative Pulmonary Complications After Elective Surgery: An International Prospective Cohort Study. Journal: Anaesthesia, 76(11), 1454-1464. Focus: Evaluates the impact of pre-operative isolation on post-surgical pulmonary complications.
- Contributor Member - COVIDSurg Collaborative COVIDSurg Collaborative; GlobalSurg Collaborative (2021) Title: SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Modelling for Safe Surgery to Save Lives: Data from an International Prospective Cohort Study. Journal: British Journal of Surgery, 108(9), 1056-1063. Focus: Develops a vaccination strategy model for optimizing surgical safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Expertise
- General & Gastrointestinal Surgery
- Hernia & Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
- Trauma & Acute Care Surgery
- Proctology
- Soft Tissue Surgery & Wound Care
Membership
- Asociación Colombiana de Cirugía (Active Member)
- Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Instructor
Blogs
Navigating Life After a Colostomy: Essential Tips for Comfort and Confidence
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A Complex Case: Surgical Management of a Massive Retroperitoneal Tumor
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The Impact of Obesity on Heart Health: What You Need to Know
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