World-renowned vascular surgeon Dr. José Antonio Muñoa Prado chose to begin his medical journey in the most unlikely of places… the heart of the Mexican jungle during the Zapatista uprising. In this episode, he shares the raw, often surreal stories from his early years working in Chiapas, MX, living through armed conflict, delivering care in deeply divided communities, and learning first-hand what it means to serve.
From organizing 36 local health councils in divided communities to flying into remote jungle villages during outbreaks, Dr. Muñoa shares how those early years shaped his approach to medicine, problem-solving, and what it really means to serve.
🎧 If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to deliver care in the middle of a conflict zone, or how those experiences shape who you become as a doctor, this one’s for you!
00:00 Intro
03:16 Why a young doctor chose to enter a war zone
05:29 The Zapatista uprising and its roots
08:50 Seeking identity, history, and something real
14:00 The short war and lingering tension
15:02 Altamirano: gateway to the jungle
27:29 What still stays with him from those years
29:43 Off-road surgery and rural surgical campaigns
39:35 The “attack” that turned out to be something else…
47:12 Why he left, and what stayed with him
50:01 The problem of undocumented knowledge
52:47 Why skills matter more than tech
54:01 The dream of returning, this time with a mic
💡 Who Should Listen
For vascular surgeons, public health workers, and early-career physicians curious about what it really means to serve in underserved areas, and how those experiences shape who you become in the OR and beyond.
About Dr. José Antonio Muñoa Prado
Dr. José Antonio Muñoa Prado is a world-renowned vascular surgeon specializing in diabetic foot, limb salvage, and vein care. He is the former President of the Mexican Association of Vascular Surgeons and the Association of Diabetic Foot, and co-founder of HENDOLAT. With more than 20 years as a pioneering surgeon, educator, and entrepreneur, Dr. Muñoa continues to lead surgical campaigns across rural Mexico and push for innovation that reflects the real-world needs of Latin American communities.
Connect with Dr. Muñoa
📲 Instagram: @Dr.Munoa
👍 Facebook: @DrMunoaPrado
💼 LinkedIn: José Antonio Muñoa Prado
Follow Life of Flow
📲 Instagram: @LifeofFlowPodcast
👍 Facebook: Life of Flow Podcast
💼 LinkedIn: Life of Flow Podcast
🐦 X: @VascularPodcast
If this one gave you a new perspective or brought back a memory, share it with a colleague who’s been there, and if you’re finding value in these conversations, a quick review goes a long way.
