Taking Dance Steps for Patient Care
Some physicians spend their leisure time playing golf or tennis. Guillermo Elkouss, M.D., an urologist on staff at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, graces the dance floor.
Dr. Elkouss specializes in the Argentine tango, and with partner Vittoria Natale give lessons and performances across the country and internationally. On April 12, they will be among the featured performers at the Lourdes Health Foundation's "The Dance 2008: Dancing with the Stars" fundraising event in Philadelphia.
"When you're dancing with someone and things click, your endorphins start flowing and it's really a very good feeling," he said.
A native of Argentina, Dr. Elkouss began dancing in his youth. He started learning the Argentine tango—a more complex version than its American cousin—11 years ago, long before ballroom dancing became popular.
"Anyone who starts dancing for a little while gets hooked. You share two or three minutes of intimacy with the person you're dancing with. You travel to other cities. You develop a large social network with other dancers. It's a beautiful experience," he said.
Just like a professional athlete, Dr. Elkouss must remain physically fit. The 59-year-old regularly does Pilates, yoga, stretching and other exercises to ensure stamina and his ability to lift Natale for certain movements.
"Dancing is not just going to dance. You have to be in shape to be able to do it right," Dr. Elkouss said. "I was always very athletic, and I had studied piano. All of these things have blended together."
Dr. Elkouss said his patients know about his hobby and enjoy discussing it during visits. "It makes the visit more pleasant because it's not all serious conversation," he said.
To learn more about tickets for The Dance 2008, contact Felicia DiMattia, Special Events Director, at 856-382-1795 or dimattiaf@lourdesnet.org. Event programs support Lourdes programs and services.
