Finding English speaking doctors in Barcelona: a helpful guide for expats and travelers

Dr. Victoria Howe is based in the centre of Barcelona and provides high-quality medical services for English-speaking patients. She will ensure that whatever your medical problem may be, it will be dealt with in an efficient and professional manner.

English-speaking Doctor in Barcelona, Dr. Victoria Howe, talks to us about the services she offers

LF: What is your background and where did you train?
VH: I am a British Doctor, native in both English and Spanish, and have been living in Barcelona for many years. Following the completion of my medical degree at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, I then trained as a General and Digestive Surgeon (MIR). After years working in the public sector both in Spain and the UK (ICS, NHS), I furthered my studies training as an Emergency Doctor. I have also obtained a solid international background, including several fellowships in the UK (Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh) and France (CHRU Hôpital Saint Eloi, Montpellier).

LF: When and why did you start your own practice?
VH: After working in several private practices, I decided to venture out on my own as I had a very clear idea of my goals and the type of care I wanted to give to my patients. I needed an unrushed, safe, and personal space and I wanted to provide them with a doctor they could rely on whenever and in whatever situation during their stay in Barcelona (and afterwards if needed).

LF: What is the philosophy behind your practice?
VH: I have focused my career on the concept of “concierge medicine,” which entails a personalised, caring, and human approach at my medical practice. It is exclusive care from a doctor who will cater for all your medical needs and provide direct contact with them.

LF: You offer a range of medical services. Tell us a bit about them.
VH: We offer emergency and routine doctor’s appointments, from Monday to Saturdays. We are continuously available for our patients and we also offer other services such as specialist referrals/consultations (with English-speaking doctors), medical check-ups and certificates, women’s and sexual health programs, and also vaccinations/prescriptions.

We are now collaborating with a number of medical societies and colleges and we have set up a number of services:

1. Cardiology Program (Escardio)

Cardiovascular Risk Screening <45
Cardiovascular Risk Screening >45

2. Gynaecology Program (RCOG)

Annual Testing (PAP + US)
HPV Testing
HPV Vaccination
Uterine Cancer Prevention
Breast Cancer Screening

3. Ophthalmology Society (Barraquer)

Eye Testing

4. American Society of Oncology (ASCO)

Full-body Screening
Digestive System Screening
Blood Tumour Markers Testing

5. Urology and Pelvic Floor (RCS)

Urological Full Check-up

6. Orthopedic Surgery and Podiatry

Spine (back pain management, back posture assessment, back school)
Feet (walk assessment, insoles)

7. Occupational Health

Medical Certificates
Aeronautical Official Certificates

LF: It is not so easy to get the personalised health care that was available in the past. How important do you think it is to have your own personal doctor?
VH: We believe it is important to have a relationship of trust with your doctor and to be able to contact them when in need. I find it is always better and more efficient to have direct contact with your doctor so they can treat you and help you accordingly. Our patients feel much safer and happier with us as they know all their medical needs at any moment will be taken care of.

LF: Which languages do you speak and how important do you think it is to have a doctor who speaks your own language?
VH: I am native in English, Spanish, and Catalan. I can also speak some French and Italian, as I have lived in both countries for some time. I find that patients tend to look for an English-speaking doctor so they can express themselves better and understand what is said and needs to be done, especially with something as important as health. They also find it is great to be able to be in touch with me for whatever they need and even text/email me for follow-up questions or other doubts they might have. I not only offer an English service but I also offer them a concierge and approachable one, something that is much needed in today’s world.

LF: Where do the majority of your patients come from?
VH: I have a variety of nationalities from British and American to Scandinavian and Chinese. They are all English-speaking patients who feel more comfortable explaining their medical problems in English.

LF: You specialise in Women’s Health. What specific services do you offer to women?
VH: Over the years I have taken a special interest in Women’s Health and I have undergone several specialised training programs. In our surgery we offer different programmes for women, including annual check-ups, STD testing, breast/ovarian and uterus cancer screening, HPV and sexual education, and peri/menopausal education and treatment.

LF: What are the main health problems affecting women in 2024?
VH: The main health issues which women are facing have not changed over the past number of years. They mainly are:

Cancer
STD including herpes, HVP, and HIV
Reproductive health, including hormonal imbalances and fertility
Mental health
Maternal health
Perimenopause and menopause

LF: Do many women approach you with psychological issues?
VH: Yes, I have quite a few patients who are searching to improve their mental health. Many women suffer from episodes of anxiety or stress at some point in their life and it is beneficial for them to acknowledge and define these situations in order to treat them. On several occasions, patients just need some direction and stress management and there is no need for medication. Our approach is to always try and avoid medication and to help them process the situation. Obviously, there are cases where pharmacological treatment is necessary.

LF: Your patients use various health insurance companies. How does this work?
VH: Our practice is private so our patients usually pay upfront and get reimbursed by their insurance companies, which can also include travel, expat, and health insurance. We also have a number of private patients as we have very competitive prices for blood and other imaging tests. We have an agreement with a few centres and laboratories and give special prices, including check-ups and specialist referrals.

LF: For those who do not have health insurance, what are your costs?
VH: The price is the same for all patients, which is €110 for a routine appointment and €130 for an emergency appointment (within hours). We also offer special packages and programmes (you can check our website for full prices at https://www.drvictoriahowe.com/fees).

LF: What plans do you have for the future?
VH: We are growing very fast and our patients are extremely satisfied with all our services, so we are thinking of expanding our surgeries and medical team next year. We are very aware that our priority is our patients, so we need to maintain our high-quality service and standards.

LF: How can people find you and how easy is it for them to join your practice?
VH: You can personally contact me at info@drvictoriahowe.com and our phone number is +34 672 299 222. If you wish to know more about us, you can visit www.drvictoriahowe.com.

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