Trip to Guanajuato, Mexico, October 2004

Dr. Steve Bates and Dr. William McClure

"I've attached some pictures of the trip to Mexico. The name of the city is Guanajuato. It is where Cervantes lived and wrote for many years. There were silver mines in the hills surrounding the city and at one time it was the richest city in the Western hemisphere. It has a strong Spanish influence and very European "feel" compared to other places I have been in Mexico. The couple sitting at the table are Dr. and Mrs. Miguel Covarrubius. He is a general surgeon that works in Guanajuato and sponsors the trip every 6 months. The guy operating is Jose Abel de la Pena. He was a resident with Covarrubius and now is in private practice in Mexico City. The other guy eating the taco and reading the book is Bill McClure. He is a Stanford alum that now is in private practice in Napa. He travels 2-3 times a year with volunteer groups. If you get a chance, go on a trip with him. The other guys in the white coats are Mexican plastic surgery residents from Guadalajara. The picture of me is with the parents of my first lip repair."

- Steven J Bates, PGY V