In the fall of 2009, Dr. Bueno had the opportunity to gain clinical experience at a Nursing Home in New York. That’s when he met a very special person who would teach him much about the human component of medicine and shape the entire direction of his career. The patient was an eighty-six-year-old woman on twelve different medications owing to a long list of diagnoses and though she was receiving the best medical attention possible, she was growing considerably and alarmingly despondent. Dr. Bueno became quite concerned for her well-being and volunteered to visit her regularly. They would play cards, read books, and share stories. Shortly, other patients joined our small group and she soon started to interact more with others and made friends. He saw a significant improvement in her demeanor; she was happier, taking an active interest in her life, and showing renewed adherence to her treatment. It became clear that psychological suffering and loneliness in the elderly, which stems from the loss of independence and illness, could hinder the healing process. Dr. Bueno came to understand that not only is a vast knowledge of medicine necessary to be a good doctor, but that compassion, humility, and communication between doctor and patient are what ultimately lead to the best diagnosis and treatment.
With this in mind, after completing his Internal Medicine Residency at New York Medical College in NY, he continued his training in Geriatrics at the University of Miami / Jackson Memorial Hospital, where I learned a great deal about the care of older adults.
Today, he wears many hats. His roles include that of a Geriatric & Academic Hospitalist as well as Geriatrics Subspecialty Coordinator at Piedmont Athens Regional. He is also an Associate Clinical Professor at the UGA / Augusta University Medical Partnership, where he works directly with Medical Residents (Doctors in training) and Medical Students. He also serves as Medical Director for Presbyterian Village of Athens.
Dr. Bueno decided to join efforts with Dr. Chronos and bring a Geriatrics approach to Lake Country Medical Group. Dr. Chronos realized the importance of this because of the growing need in this area, especially since this generation of older adults is living and thriving well up to the 9th decade and beyond.
Dr. Bueno continues his commitment to learning much more about memory loss. He is currently working with the Alzheimer’s Association to continue to further his studies, learning, and training through one of their many research projects.
