MetaCast #21 - Resilience in Scrubs: Dr. Rafael Ayala's Path to Cardiac Surgery in Europe
Learn more about the Meta-Analysis Academy: https://is.gd/BM9Xdm.
In the #21 episode of MetaCast, we welcome Dr. Rafael Ayala, a cardiac surgeon from El Salvador now practicing in Germany. He shares his remarkable journey from a working-class upbringing to training at top German institutions, overcoming language, cultural, and academic barriers along the way. His story highlights what it takes to succeed as a foreign medical graduate in one of the most demanding surgical fields.
We discuss the process of getting into residency in Germany, work-life balance in surgical training, and the importance of building a research-driven career. Dr. Ayala also shares how his first meta-analysis, developed through the Meta Analysis Academy, was cited in European guidelines—demonstrating how structured, meaningful research can create real clinical impact.
Creators and Guests
Host
Rhanderson Cardoso
Clinical Cardiologist and Cardiac Imaging @BrighamWomens @harvardmed | Former cardiology fellow @hopkinsheart @ciccaronecenter
Guest
Rafael Ayala
Cardiac Surgeon. Deputy Medical Director Heart Failure/LVAD/MCS Off-Pump CABG, aortic surgery, minimally invasive cardiac surgery.
