ENRIQUE MARCOS SIERRA BENITEZ
Miami
Summary
International Medical Graduate and Neurosurgeon with 7 years of experience in adult and pediatric neurosurgery across Cuba and Africa. Successfully passed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK on the first attempt. U.S. clinical experience as a Clinical Research Coordinator, Care Coordinator, and Surgical Assistant in a high-volume spine surgery practice. Experienced in clinical research, healthcare quality, utilization management, and EMR systems (Epic, Cerner, and Citrix). Author of 50+ peer-reviewed scientific publications with a strong interest in neurology, academic medicine, and evidence-based patient care.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Reaserch Coordinator
Neoclinical Reasearch
Miami, FL
07.2026 - Current
- Coordinate Phase II–IV clinical research studies in compliance with ICH-GCP, FDA regulations, sponsor protocols, and institutional requirements.
- Perform participant screening, informed consent, eligibility assessment, enrollment, and study visit coordination while ensuring strict protocol adherence.
- Coordinate study activities among Principal Investigators, sponsors, Contract Research Organizations (CROs), laboratory personnel, and multidisciplinary clinical teams.
- Collect, review, and maintain accurate source documentation, electronic Case Report Forms (eCRFs), and regulatory documentation in accordance with ALCOA+ principles and Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
- Monitored patient safety through documentation of adverse events (AEs), serious adverse events (SAEs), concomitant medications, and protocol deviations, ensuring timely reporting to sponsors and investigators.
- Scheduled and conducted study visits, specimen collection, laboratory processing, investigational product accountability, and follow-up assessments to meet study timelines.
- Contributed to participant recruitment strategies and retention initiatives, enhancing data quality and supporting successful study completion.
Certified Surgical First Assistant
Advance Ambulatory Surgical Center
Orlando, FL
06.2026 - 07.2026
- Assisted spine surgeons during a wide range of complex spinal procedures, ensuring optimal surgical workflow and patient safety in the operating room.
- Assisted during Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF), cervical and lumbar laminectomies, spinal fusion procedures, and decompressions, contributing to effective surgical outcomes.
- Prepared and maintained sterile surgical fields, anticipated surgeon needs, managed specialized spine instrumentation, implants, and biologic materials throughout procedures.
- Assisted with patient positioning, surgical exposure, tissue retraction, hemostasis, wound closure, and postoperative dressing application while adhering to strict aseptic technique.
- Collaborated with surgeons, anesthesiologists, circulating nurses, radiology technologists, and operating room staff to enhance procedural efficiency and improve patient outcomes.
- Applied extensive knowledge of spinal anatomy and neurosurgical instrumentation to support sterile technique, operating room protocols, and perioperative patient care.
- Supported minimally invasive and interventional pain management procedures, including fluoroscopy-guided spinal injections, epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, medial branch blocks, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), sacroiliac joint injections, and other image-guided pain interventions.
- Ensured compliance with OSHA, HIPAA, Joint Commission, and infection prevention standards in all perioperative activities.
Utilization Review Coordinator
Leon Health Insurance
Miami, US
10.2024 - 03.2026
- Applied InterQual® Criteria to evaluate the medical necessity and appropriateness of inpatient admissions, level of care, and continued hospital stay in accordance with utilization management standards.
- Coordinated patient care across multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care, timely follow-up, and compliance with evidence-based clinical guidelines.
- Utilized multiple Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems, including Epic, Cerner, and Citrix-based clinical platforms, to review patient records, document care coordination activities, and facilitate communication among healthcare providers.
- Conducted comprehensive medical record reviews and collaborated with physicians, nurses, and case management teams to enhance documentation accuracy and elevate quality of care.
- Facilitated Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) assignment and reimbursement processes by reviewing clinical documentation to ensure accurate case classification and maximize hospital payment methodologies.
- Coordinated discharge planning, care transitions, and resource allocation to promote patient outcomes and minimize avoidable readmissions.
- Maintained compliance with HIPAA regulations and organizational quality standards while managing confidential patient information.
Chief Neurosurgeon
Referral Hospital of Francistown City
Francistown, Botswana
11.2022 - 07.2024
- Performed over 300 craniotomies addressing traumatic, tumor, and vascular diseases of the Central Nervous System, enhancing patient outcomes.
- Executed over 100 laminectomies for traumatic and degenerative spinal injuries, restoring mobility and quality of life.
- Managed more than 50 cases of obstructive hydrocephalus and pediatric nervous system malformations, improving health and developmental outcomes for young patients.
Fellowship in Surgery of Degenerative Pathologies of the Spine
Cira Garcia Clinic
Havana, Cuba
05.2022 - 11.2022
- Collaborated in surgical treatment of scoliosis, contributing to improved patient outcomes in pediatric population.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Neurosurgeon
Faustino Perez Referral Hospital
Matanzas, Cuba
11.2021 - 05.2022
- Performed over 80 craniotomies addressing traumatic, tumor, and vascular conditions of the central nervous system, enhancing patient outcomes through targeted surgical intervention.
- Executed over 50 laminectomies for management of traumatic and degenerative spinal injuries, contributing to improved patient mobility and quality of life.
- Conducted approximately 10 intraventricular endoscopic procedures for tumor resection and treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus in both children and adults, facilitating effective symptom relief and recovery.
Neurosurgeon Resident
International Center of Neurological Restauration
Havana, Cuba
09.2019 - 11.2021
- Assisted in complex surgeries for drug-resistant epilepsies, including lobectomies, functional hemispherectomies, lesionectomies, and selective tonsillarcompectomies, contributing to improved patient outcomes.
- Assisted in complex surgeries for advanced Parkinson's disease, performing dorsolateral subthalamotomies, ventromedial pallidectomies, and thalamectomies using functional stereotactic ablation methods with multineuronal deep brain recording, enhancing surgical precision.
- Performed complex surgical procedures on neurological conditions, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for patients.
- Mentored junior surgeons and medical staff, enhancing skills through hands-on training and guidance.
Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery
Juan Guiteras Gener Medical University
Matanzas, Cuba
09.2021 - 09.2021
- Presented research at conference, establishing expertise in endoscopy treatment for obstructive hydrocephalus in adult patients, contributing to elevation to Assistant Professor.
- Developed and implemented innovative curricula enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Led research initiatives, securing funding and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.
- Mentored faculty members, promoting professional development and collaboration within academic departments.
Instructor Professor of Neurosurgery
Juan Guiteras Gener University (Medical Sciences)
Matanzas, Cuba
11.2018 - 09.2021
- Developed and led workshops and conferences that facilitated designation as Instructor Professor.
- Managed head trauma cases at medical facility in Matanzas, ensuring optimal patient care and treatment outcomes.
- Designed and implemented engaging curricula for medical sciences courses.
- Mentored students in clinical skills, fostering practical application of theoretical knowledge.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments and provided constructive feedback.
Neurosurgeon Resident
Faustino Perez Referral Hospital
Matanzas, Cuba
09.2017 - 09.2019
- Assisted in emergency trauma surgeries including decompressive craniectomy, cranial fractures, epidural and subdural hematomas, intraparenchymal hemorrhages, and spinal pathologies, contributing to critical patient outcomes.
- Supported neuro-oncological surgeries for adult and pediatric patients, enhancing surgical precision and patient care.
- Conducted complex neurosurgical procedures, enhancing patient recovery outcomes.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized treatment plans for patients.
- Utilized advanced imaging technologies to accurately diagnose neurological conditions.
Education
First Degree Specialist - Neurosurgery
International Center of Neurological Restauration
Havana, Cuba01.2021
Doctor of Medicine -
Juan Guiteras Gener University (Medical Sciences)
Matanzas, Cuba07.2017
Skills
- Patient recruitment
- Clinical research ethics
- Study protocols
- Data analysis
- Electronic data capture
- Documentation management
- Regulatory Compliance
- Adverse event reporting
- Medical Research
- Patient Assessment
- Clinical best practices
- Medical Education
- Surgical techniques
- Data Collection Techniques
Certification
International Medical Graduate (IMG) (2017/ Cuba)
International Neurosurgeon (2021/ Cuba)
Step 1 USMLE: Pass (2025/ US)
Step 2 USMLE: Pass (2026/ US)
Surgical Assistant – Certified (SA-C) by American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) (2026/ US)
Certified Clinical and Administrative Medical Assistant (2024/ US)
Certified Phlebotomy Technician (2024/ US)
Good clinical Practice Course certified (2024/ US)
BLS certified (CPR and AED program) (2024/ US)
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Clinical Reaserch Coordinator
Neoclinical Reasearch
07.2026 - Current
Certified Surgical First Assistant
Advance Ambulatory Surgical Center
06.2026 - 07.2026
Utilization Review Coordinator
Leon Health Insurance
10.2024 - 03.2026
Chief Neurosurgeon
Referral Hospital of Francistown City
11.2022 - 07.2024
Fellowship in Surgery of Degenerative Pathologies of the Spine
Cira Garcia Clinic
05.2022 - 11.2022
Neurosurgeon
Faustino Perez Referral Hospital
11.2021 - 05.2022
Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery
Juan Guiteras Gener Medical University
09.2021 - 09.2021
Neurosurgeon Resident
International Center of Neurological Restauration
09.2019 - 11.2021
Instructor Professor of Neurosurgery
Juan Guiteras Gener University (Medical Sciences)
11.2018 - 09.2021
Neurosurgeon Resident
Faustino Perez Referral Hospital
09.2017 - 09.2019
First Degree Specialist - Neurosurgery
International Center of Neurological Restauration
Doctor of Medicine -
Juan Guiteras Gener University (Medical Sciences)
MEDICAL SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS
- First Author Wicked gliomas: molecular biology and oncogenetics detail. Médica Electrónica REV MÉD ELECTRÓN 2018; 40(4) RB http://www.revmedicaelectronica.sld.cu/index.php/rme/article/view/2480/3973
- First Author Clinical-surgical, neuroimaging and neuromonitored characterization of the encephalococranial trauma in the province of Matanzas. 2016-2018. Médica Electrónica REV MÉD ELECTRÓN 2019, 41 (2) AO http://www.revmedicaelectronica.sld.cu/index.php/rme/article/view/2621/4238
- First Author Brain Plasticity: a neuronal reality. Revista de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río. Vol. 23, Num. 4 (2019) RB http://www.revcmphar.sld.cu/index.php/publicaciones/article/view/3866
- First Author Behavior of high-grade gliomas at Matanzas Neurosurgery service. 2017-2019. Médica Electrónica REV MÉD ELECTRÓN 2019, 41 (5) AO http://www.revmedicaelectronica.sld.cu/index.php/rme/article/view/3196/4533
- First Author Neurosurgical advances and molecular biology in the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. Médica Electrónica REV MÉD ELECTRÓN 2019, 41 (5) AR http://www.revmedicaelectronica.sld.cu/index.php/rme/article/view/3193/4588
- First Author Intracranial meningiomas. Two-year experience in the service Neurosurgery of Matanzas. Médica Electrónica REV MÉD ELECTRÓN 2019, 41 (6) AO http://www.revmedicaelectronica.sld.cu/index.php/rme/article/view/3244/pdf_711
- First Author Debates about decompressive craniectomy in traumatic intracranial hypertension. Revista Cubana de Medicina Intensiva y Emergencias. 2019, 18, (4): e655 RB http://www.revmedicaelectronica.sld.cu/index.php/mie/article/view/655
- First Author Ablative subthalamic nucleus surgery in Parkinson's disease. Necessary considerations. Médica Electrónica REV MÉD ELECTRÓN 2020, 42 (6) AR http://www.revmedicaelectronica.sld.cu/index.php/rme/article/view/3631/4928
- First Author From Cushing to Perneczky, evolution of the surgery in the vestibular schwannoma. Médica Electrónica REV MÉD ELECTRÓN 2021, 43 (4) http://www.revmedicaelectronica.sld.cu/index.php/rme/article/view/4070/5219
- First Author Chiari malformation type I associated with hydrocephalus. Revista Electrónica Dr. Zoilo E. Marinello Vidaurreta. 2022; 47(6): e3267 https://revzoilomarinello.sld.cu/index.php/zmv/article/view/3267
- First Author Guided Surgery with Intraoperative Ultrasonography and Endoscopy in Multiple Occipital Brain Abscess. SVOA Neurology (UK) Citation: Benítez EMS, Rodríguez LL, Pérez MQL. Guided Surgery with Intraoperative Ultrasonography and Endoscopy in Multiple Occipital Brain Abscess. SVOA Neurology 2023, 4:3, 79-83 https://sciencevolks.com/neurology/pdf/SVOA-NE-04-095.pdf
- First Author Intraventricular neuroendoscopic surgery in adult patients with obstructive hydrocephalus. short case series. Médica Electrónica REV MÉD ELECTRÓN 2023 vol 45 No. 3 http://www.revmedicaelectronica.sld.cu/index.php/rme/article/view/5072/5632
- First Author Surgical Results in Neurotraumatology in a Hospital in Botswana. SVOA Neurology (UK) Citation: Beni tez EMS, Perez MQL, Mogae M, Sithole MYS, Molina IR, Nordet IB. Surgical Results in Neurotraumatology in a Hospital in Botswana. SVOA Neurology 2023, 4:5, 115-124 https://sciencevolks.com/neurology/pdf/SVOA-NE-04-0102.pdf
- First Author Occipital Cavernous Malformation. Case Report and Literature Review. SVOA Neurology (UK) Benítez EMS, Perez MQL, Gonzalez YP, Gomez JM, Chavez OC, Manrique EC. Occipital Cavernous Malformation. Case Report and Literature Review. SVOA Neurology 2023, 4:5, 125-129. https://sciencevolks.com/neurology/pdf/SVOA-NE-04-0103.pdf
- First Author Neurosciences and Nobel Prizes in Medicine and Physiology, A Brief Historical Sketch. SVOA Neurology (UK) Perez MQL, Otsogile TN, Sithole MSY, Ntabe PP, Mogae M, Petelo KK, Lebalang NP, Badubi UG, Bení tez EMS. Neurosciences and Nobel Prizes in Medicine and Physiology, A Brief Historical Sketch. SVOA Neurology 2023, 4:6, 236-240. https://sciencevolks.com/neurology/pdf/SVOA-NE-04-0118.pdf
- Secondary Author Placement of the first marrow stimulator in Cuba for managing refractory neurotic pan. Revista Cubana de Anestesiología y Reanimación. 2022 (May-Ago): 21(2):e803 http://www.revanestesia.sld.cu/index.php/anestRean/article/download/803/1075
- Secondary Author Sudden Loss of Vision as a Result of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A Case Report. Citation : Rodríguez LL, Roman GH, Izquierdo YS, González AER, Comas ALC, Benítez ES. Sudden Loss of Vision as a Result of Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A Case Report. SVOA Neurology 3:2 (2022) Pages 75-78 https://sciencevolks.com/neurology/pdf/SVOA-NE-03-053.pdf
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Language: English , Spanish
- Links: Research Gate, ORCIDLinkedIn