Craig Dempsey is no stranger to the Latin American business landscape. As Chairman of Medical Tourism Packages, he is leading a fast growing venture that aims to revolutionize how North Americans access healthcare abroad. In this exclusive interview with The Hudson Weekly, Craig shares his insights on wellness travel, how Medical Tourism Packages was born, and what makes Latin America a compelling destination for global patients.
Craig, thank you for joining us. Can you tell us what inspired Medical Tourism Packages?
Craig Dempsey: The idea really came from two things. Observing how limited affordable private healthcare can be in the US and Canada, and seeing the incredible quality and hospitality offered by Latin American clinics. Many of these medical providers are internationally accredited and deliver high quality services at a fraction of the price. Our platform simplifies the process for patients, whether they are looking for a tummy tuck, dental implants, or a wellness retreat in Panama or Colombia.
Why Latin America, specifically?
Craig Dempsey: Latin America offers an unbeatable combination. World class surgeons, beautiful recovery environments, and huge cost savings. Countries like Panama, Colombia, and Costa Rica have established themselves as serious players in health tourism. Our guide to medical tourism in Colombia lays out how easy and transparent the process can be. Flights are short, visa policies are friendly, and the patient care is highly personalized.
What types of procedures are most in demand?
Craig Dempsey: Cosmetic surgery is a major driver. Treatments like breast reduction and hair transplants are particularly popular. But we are also seeing growing interest in general wellness, preventative treatments, and hormone therapies. It is not just about price. It is about quality and the patient experience.
Are there risks or regulations customers should be aware of?
Craig Dempsey: Absolutely, and we are transparent about that. We always encourage clients to verify clinics through government and regulatory channels like Colombia’s Ministry of Health. We also require documentation, proof of licensure, and malpractice coverage from all our clinic partners.
Can you walk us through the customer experience?
Craig Dempsey: Sure. Let us say someone in New York is looking for a non surgical facial treatment. They contact us and are assigned a personal travel and care coordinator. We gather their medical history and preferences, recommend vetted clinics, and help them choose the right provider. Once selected, we organize everything. Flights, accommodation, post operative care, and even cultural excursions if desired. It is a full service experience that turns medical travel into something approachable and comfortable.
Where is the company heading next?
Craig Dempsey: We are expanding our presence in Costa Rica and rolling out more curated services. Our Panama cosmetic surgery packages are getting great feedback, and we will continue to work closely with top tier providers across the region. We are also exploring wellness retreats for stress recovery, menopause support, and hormone balance. It is a broader take on healthcare that people are really responding to.
What advice would you give someone considering medical tourism for the first time?
Craig Dempsey: Do your research. Ask questions. Look for transparency in pricing and certifications. And above all, work with someone who understands both your home country standards and the local system. That is the bridge we provide. We want to make the experience not only safe, but enjoyable and transformative.
And personally, what has been the most rewarding part of this journey for you?
Craig Dempsey: Without a doubt, seeing the impact. We get emails from people who say the treatment they received changed their life. Whether it was a procedure they could not afford at home or simply better care than they had experienced elsewhere, it is humbling. Knowing we helped make that possible is why we do what we do.
