Talking to Ignacio Elizalde Montagut

14/08/2024

He graduated in Business Sciences and earned a Master in Business Administration from ESADE. He joined the Barraquer Ophthalmology Centre in 1988 and has held the position of manager since 2004. During these years, he has promoted the modernization of the centre’s processes, the implementation of quality policies, and has advocated for the professionalization of the organizational structure. He values ​​having excellent professionals on his team who are good people (“bona gent i gent bona”).

With roots that span both the Barraquer family and the Elizalde family, which had prominent involvement in the automotive and aeronautical industry in Barcelona, ​​how do you think this combination of legacies has enriched your perspective?

Our parents instilled in us the value of effort and work well done from a very young age, and they provided me and my siblings with all the means to achieve our goals, for which we will always be grateful. Without a doubt, the close example of prestigious family lineage motivated us to raise the bar of our challenges, and to do our best to achieve them.

In your 20 years as manager of the Barraquer Ophthalmology Centre, what do you consider to have been the most significant achievements and how have they contributed to the growth and success of the institution?

To those 20 years, we must add another 16 years in which I had the opportunity to learn from the ground up the operation of the different departments of the clinic (reception, admissions, operating room, billing, IT...). This vision has allowed me to understand that all areas are interrelated, and that they must be coordinated to offer the best care for our patients. Barraquer's success is based on the quality of its team, both professionally and in terms of their human qualities, and my mission as manager is to provide them with the best working conditions in a pleasant environment. All of this ultimately impacts the patient, and Barraquer has always distinguished itself for its close treatment, which has allowed the growth and success of the institution since its inception more than 80 years ago.

How is your day? What aspects of your work are you most passionate about?

I am very proud of the center's management team, as they are great professionals and, above all, I want to highlight their quality as people. In my day-to-day life, I rely a lot on the team, as well as the different area managers, and I try to offer the trust and closeness necessary to achieve our objectives. My greatest satisfaction is contributing to resolving complex situations, whether at the level of interpersonal relationships or departments, and facilitating understanding between all parties.

Could you share a particular anecdote or challenge you have faced as a manager?

I especially remember the impact of the declaration of the state of alarm in March 2020, as a result of the pandemic, which forced us to cancel the hundreds (or thousands) of visits and surgeries scheduled for the following weeks. All the effort involved in filling the agendas collapsed in a few days, but fortunately, the activity recovered in the following months, progressively. I believe that we all learned a lot from that exceptional situation and with a lot of wor, and a cohesive team, everything is achievable.

How has the centre remained at the forefront of ophthalmological technology and techniques in a field as dynamic and constantly evolving as ophthalmology?

The model that the generations of the Barraquer family have followed (we are already in the 5th) has always been to place the patient at the centre of their priorities. Therefore, decisions are made with the patient’s well-being in mind, not about the profitability of one type of treatment or another, which is obviously a factor that is studied and taken into account. The active presence of  our medical team at conferences allows them to learn about the latest technological advances, ensuring the centre has the best equipment, whenever the Medical Management considers it appropriate.

One of the highlights of the Barraquer Ophthalmology Centre is its focus on personalized care and humane treatment. How do you ensure that each patient feels cared for in an individualized and special way?

The centre’s motto since its inception has been, “Let's treat the patient as we would want to be treated in their place.” For this reason, in the personnel selection processes, the human profile of the applicants is highly valued to ensure they align with this company philosophy. To ensure that the motto does not remain a simple declaration of intentions, we are very attentive to verifying and measuring the degree of patient satisfaction regarding the different services we offer (outpatient consultations, emergencies, surgery). We also carry out detailed monitoring of comments in social networks, etc.

Looking to the future, what are your perspectives and goals for the center in the coming years?

The technological challenges we face are overwhelming: the emergence of artificial intelligence, new implants and surgical materials, increasingly sophisticated and expensive equipment, etc. But the essence of medicine should never be lost. We will have more and more technological aids, but professionals will have to provide the human treatment so necessary for patients. At Barraquer, we will continue to focus on both: having the most advanced technology while maintaining close treatment with patients. Having the trust of patients is essential.

With such an absorbing job, what do you do to disconnect?

For me, it is essential to lead a healthy life, practicing moderate sports in a natural environment whenever possible. I try to get around Barcelona on foot or by public transport, as it helps to keep in touch with reality. American roots music (folk, country, blues...) is another of my great hobbies, and I try to attend concerts. Additionally, I think it is important to put problems into perspective, because many times, what we call “problems” are just situations that will end up being resolved, with dedication, tact and patience. I also try to be grateful: I have a fantastic family, a motivating job, good health, friends... I am privileged!