Apr 8, 2025
April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, and we are proud to recognize ABOMS Diplomates who have earned the Certificate of Added Qualifications in Head and Neck Oncologic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Meet Ignacio Velasco-Martinez, DDS, FACS, who became CAQ certified in 2020. Below, he shares valuable insights into the challenges, triumphs and rewards of practicing in this specialized area of oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Tell us about a patient who changed you.
Early in my practice as faculty and an oncologic surgeon, I had the privilege of treating Almarie Maldonado-Pagan, a vibrant 17-year-old girl from Puerto Rico who presented with a diagnosis of locally advanced mandibular osteosarcoma. Almarie was an extraordinary athlete who had dedicated her free time to volleyball, a sport she had practiced since she was nine years old, and she was eagerly anticipating starting college the following semester. The diagnosis of cancer was devastating for her and her entire family, and they struggled for months to find a surgical team to treat her condition properly. What struck me most was Almarie's unwavering optimism and her determination to fight. Her journey through surgery and the subsequent reconstructive procedures was arduous, marked by moments of both hope and despair.
She taught me the true meaning of patient-centered care. Her resilience in the face of adversity pushed me not only to hone my surgical skills but also to become a better communicator and a more empathetic clinician. Witnessing her gratitude for the restored function and her renewed quality of life after a complex reconstruction solidified my commitment to this challenging yet profoundly rewarding field. Almarie's case remains a constant reminder of the profound impact we can have on our patients' lives, not just physically but emotionally and psychologically as well.
However, a year later, she developed a recurrence and succumbed to her disease. This experience showed me how fragile life is and the crucial importance of prevention, as well as the vital role of trained OMFS surgeons specializing in oral cancer working within local multidisciplinary teams to provide the best possible care.
How has the ABOMS CAQ advanced your practice and career?
Pursuing and achieving the ABOMS CAQ in Head and Neck Oncologic and Reconstructive Surgery has been instrumental in the advancement of my practice and career. The rigorous training of residency and fellowship culminates in the evaluation process demanded by the CAQ. It validates our expertise in this highly specialized area, providing both professional recognition and increased confidence in tackling challenging cases.
The CAQ has also significantly enhanced my credibility among referring colleagues and within the multidisciplinary teams I collaborate with. It has opened doors to opportunities for leadership roles, especially in prevention and community outreach, and the ability to contribute to the education of dental students and residents. Furthermore, the continuous learning and professional development required to maintain my Diplomate status and CAQ ensure that I remain at the forefront of advancements in head and neck oncology and reconstructive surgery. Ultimately, this will benefit my patients, as I am the only oral and maxillofacial surgeon with this certification in the state of Mississippi, and it will inspire younger surgeons to pursue this advanced training.
Highlight the challenges, triumphs and rewards in your career.
My journey into oral and maxillofacial surgery and head and neck oncology began during my senior year of dental school when I had the chance to extern in a program that was a pioneer in treating oral cancer. That was an eye-opening experience, and I subsequently put all my efforts into getting accepted into a US residency program, with the bold plan of consequently completing a fellowship and dedicating my professional career to caring for this patient population and training future surgeons in the broad scope of the specialty. As with all my colleagues, the path has been challenging, requiring years of dedicated work, a demanding residency, living away from family, and moving to different states and countries to continue learning and gain new experiences.
One of the significant challenges I faced was navigating the emotional toll that comes with treating patients with cancer. Witnessing their struggles and, at times, their losses can be emotionally taxing. However, the triumphs are far more rewarding. Seeing a patient regain hope and improve their quality of life after radical surgery, as well as regaining their ability to speak, swallow, or smile after successful surgery and adjuvant therapy, is incredibly gratifying.
The pursuit of the CAQ itself presented its own set of challenges, requiring meticulous preparation and a commitment to excellence. However, its successful completion and recognition have been a significant triumph in my career. It signifies a dedication to the highest standards of patient care and a commitment to lifelong learning in this ever-evolving specialty.
I am proud to be an ABOMS Diplomate with a CAQ in Head and Neck Oncologic and Reconstructive Surgery and remain dedicated to serving our patients with the utmost skill and compassion.