Alejandro (Alex) Bribriesco, MD

I am originally from Bettendorf, Iowa, and am a board-certified Thoracic surgeon who specializes in cancers of the chest and disease of the esophagus (food pipe). After practicing in Cleveland for nearly 10 years, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to return to my home state of Iowa and serve the community that raised me. With cancer on the rise in Iowa, I am grateful to be part of the UnityPoint Health cancer team and provide advanced thoracic cancer surgery to patients close to their home.

Why did you become a provider? Through high school and college, I became increasingly interested in science and biology. I was drawn to becoming a physician because of the ability to help people with their most important asset: their health. Thoracic surgery became my passion given the depth and breadth of different diseases that a thoracic surgeon can treat, including the ever-evolving field of cancer therapy.

Why did you decide to join UnityPoint Health? UnityPoint Health is my home state of Iowa's first and largest integrated health system, serving one in three Iowans across the state. With the development of a UnityPoint Health system-wide oncology program, hospitals are located in cities where my family lives and where there's a need for thoracic surgical oncology. UnityPoint Health is a perfect fit professionally and personally. 

Describe patients who typically seek your care? While the average age of a lung cancer patient is 70, anyone with lungs can be diagnosed with lung cancer. Increasingly, younger patients who have never smoked are being found to have lung cancer. I also treat patients who have acid reflux that does not respond to medication; individuals with hiatal hernias and people with difficultly swallowing.

What would your patients say about you as a physician? I treat every patient as if they are part of my family. I listen first, then take the time to explain exactly what's going on and how to treat it. I am friendly and good at breaking down complex situations and explaining them in straight-forward, easy-to-understand ways.

What is the most important thing for people to know about you and your practice? My team and I work hard to provide the care patients need in as little time as possible. My practice is flexible to allow for the ability to see patients quickly both in-person and virtually. I have a multi-disciplinary team approach focused on providing personalized patient care. Treating a patient with cancer is more than cutting out the tumor. It is, above all, about taking care of the patient and putting them at the center of their own treatment.

How would you describe the ideal patient/provider relationship? The ideal physician-patient relationship is based upon trust earned through communication, which begins with listening. The patient is going through one of the biggest challenges of their life, and they deserve a physician who is not only an expert in their disease – but who cares about the person. The patient-physician relationship is about working together for the common goal of achieving the best outcome possible for the patient.

What else do you feel is important for patients or referring providers/staff to know about your medical philosophy? Caring for patients is a team sport. When I receive a patient referral, I take that privilege and responsibility very seriously with the goal of treating each patient as if they are part of my family. Communication with patients and referring providers/staff is key to ensure everyone is working toward the common goal of patient-centered care. I encourage patients and referring providers/staff to contact me anytime. If it is important to them, it is important to me. I also believe the best patient outcomes come from a commitment to education, both for the patient as well as for the care team. The Latin word for doctor means "to teach," and I truly believe the ability to explain the clinical situation and plan to the patient is critical.

Do you have any notable ties to the region? I was born and raised in Bettendorf, Iowa. My parents and one brother live in Bettendorf, and my youngest brother lives in Cedar Rapids. I have strong ties and pride in my home community and state. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to care for patients both in the Cedar Rapids and Quad City areas.

What do you like to do in your free time? I was a wrestler at Bettendorf High School and continue to love the sport. I enjoy watching the all levels of the sport, and I have coached youth wrestling (including my son).  I plan to continue to volunteer as a coach in the Cedar Rapids area. In addition to wrestling, I enjoy watching other sports and football in particular. I also enjoy volunteering for Fuerzas Culturales Ballet Folklorico de Cedar Rapids – a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving culture for the youth of the area.

Would you like to share any information about your family? My wife and I have been together since high school in Bettendorf. We have made this journey together. I have three children: a college-age daughter and a son and daughter in high school. 

PROCEDURES:

• Lung surgery with removal of tumors using minimally invasive approaches including robotic surgery.
• Removal of chest wall tumors
• Removal of tumors in the chest cavity (such as thymomas)
• Chest wall repair of fractures including plating of ribs and sternum
• Diaphragm plication and interventions
• Tracheal resection
• Tracheostomy
• Endoscopy of airway (bronchoscopy)
• Endoscopy esophagus and stomach (EGD)
• Biopsy of abnormal lymph nodes in the chest cavity
• Hiatal hernia repair including anti-gastric reflux procedures (such as Nissen fundoplication)
• Surgical treatment of achalasia (Heller Myotomy)
• Placement of chemotherapy access (Ports, Mediports)
• Insertion of surgical feeding tubes