Neurology is a broad discipline that addresses all conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and all other portions of the nervous system. Due to the large range of disorders and diseases that can impact these parts of the body, and the fact that their effects can be wide-ranging, it often takes a highly specialized team to diagnose and treat them. Curaçao Medical Center offers a full spectrum of care for neurological problems, and provides comprehensive treatment for children and adults affected by a neurological disease.
At CMC, we have a team of neurologist who specialize in treating benign and malignant neurological conditions, as well as a robust support staff of trained and certified nurses, technicians, and other medical personnel. Our neurologists, neurosurgeons and interventional radiologists are also on call around the clock to provide fast, accurate care for patients who are experiencing emergency conditions such as a stroke.
Treatments & Conditions
- Back and Neck Pain
- Brain and Spinal Injuries
- Brain and Spinal Tumor
- Sleep Disorders
- Epilepsy and Seizures
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neurological Infections
- Neuromuscular disease
- Movement disorders
- Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders
- Stroke and Cerebrovacular diseases
- Phsychiatric disorders
Neurology Programs & Services
- Medical & Surgical Care
- Surgical and Non-Surgical Spine Care
- Neurovascular treatments
- Evaluation & Treatment of for Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
- Neuro Oncological care
- Infection care
- Psychiatric Care
Specialists Neurology
Dr. Cariana Prada Rojas - Neurologist
Cariana Prada M.D., graduated from the University of Carabobo (Venezuela), where she studied Internal Medicine. She later completed her specialization in adult neurology at Ciudad Hospitalaria Dr. Enrique Tejera (Valencia-Venezuela) where she was trained in diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system. During her years of medical practice, she completed a master’s degree in Neuro immunology and Sleep Medicine.
Her field of interest is Multiple Sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system. She enjoys teamwork and the integration of neurology with other specialties. She is fluent in Spanish, Papiamentu and English.
Dr. Ellianne Dos Santos Rubio - Neurosurgeon
Dr. Ellianne J. Dos Santos Rubio, obtained her Neurosurgery degree from Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. For her Fellowship in microneurosurgery, she went to Unifesp/ICNE, Sao Paulo, Brazil, where she was instructed by Prof F.Chaddad and Prof. E. de Oliveira. She also has a Spine Fellowship from UNCH, Leiden, the Hague, guided by Prof. W. Peul. And is GCP certified. Dr. Dos Santos Rubios started at St. Elizabeth hospital in 2017 and transitioned to CMC in 2019. She speaks papiamentu, Ducth, English, Portuguese and Spanish.
E.dos Santos Rubio, M.D., is a general neurosurgeon who specializes in treatment of braintumors, brain and spine trauma, complex spine disease, (pediatric) shunt disorders and peripheral nerve decompression. She has established a collaboration with two academic neurosurgical centers in the Netherlands (Erasmus Medical Center and Universitair Neurochirurgisch Centrum Holland) enabling complex neurosurgical care in Latin America/Caribbean. Her primary focus is to provide outstanding neurosurgical quality of care for her patients. She is establishing a continues line of neurosurgical research together with prominent international centers, giving neurosurgical care in the Caribbean a more prominent role. She is co founder of Umente ( non profit foundation), which empowers inhabitants with neurological and neurosurgical knowledge, and focuses on diseaseprevention. She is a member of several professional societies, including the North American Spine Society, Eurospine, European Association of Neurosurgery, Dutch society of Neurosurgery( NVVN) and currently still medical staff member at Erasmus Medical Center.
Dr. Stephanus Bakker - Neurologist
Dr. Stephanus Bakker completed his medical studies in 1989 at the University of Amsterdam. From 1990 to 1992, he worked as a resident at St. Elisabeth Hospital (SEHOS) in Curaçao, and from 1992 to 1994 he worked at Erasmus MC, a university medical center in Rotterdam. He completed his specialization in neurology in 2000 and practiced in this field at Erasmus, Amphia Hospital Breda – Oosterhout, and at Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland. At Franciscus Gasthuis & Vlietland, he served as medical head from 2007 until he relocated to Curaçao.
He obtained his PhD in 2001 at Erasmus University in Rotterdam and has been a member of the Dutch Society of Neurology’s committee since 2012. Dr. Bakker’s focus is on neurovascular disorders and headaches. In both areas, significant progress has been made in terms of treatment in recent years. Dr. Bakker looks forward to sharing his expertise in a humble way at Curaçao Medical Center.
Dr. Jorien van Hoey Smith-van de Wetering - Neurologist
Dr. Jorien “Nikkie” van Hoey Smith-van de Wetering is a neurologist with a strong dedication to patient-centered care. Since August 2024, she has been affiliated with Curaçao Medical Center (CMC), where she continues to practice with a holistic approach to neurological care.
She completed her medical specialist training in neurology at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), the Netherlands, from 2006 to 2012.
Over the years, Dr. van Hoey Smith-van de Wetering has built a comprehensive career in neurology. She began as a resident in neurology at the Academic Hospital of Leiden University (LUMC), followed by her role as a neurologist at SEIN (Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland), a renowned center of expertise for epilepsy and sleep-wake disorders. She later practiced at Ikazia Hospital in Rotterdam. In addition to her clinical work, she has many years of experience conducting medical expert evaluations in the context of legal proceedings and insurance cases.
Her clinical interests include the treatment of epilepsy and the use of botulinum toxin (Botox) in managing various neurological conditions. Dr. van Hoey Smith-van de Wetering is known for her holistic approach to healthcare, recognizing the profound impact of lifestyle on both illness and recovery.
“True healing begins when we treat the person, not just the disease embracing lifestyle, mind, and medicine in harmony.”
Dr. Mark Baptista - Neurologist
Dr. Mark Baptista is a neurologist at Curaçao Medical Center, where he has been part of the team since 2023. He is experienced in general neurology, neuromuscular diseases, and clinical neurophysiology, and provides comprehensive care for patients with a variety of neurological conditions.”
Dr. Baptista began his medical journey at VU Amsterdam, where he completed his medical training. He then built his expertise as a neurologist through extensive training in Suriname at AZP, Diakonessenhuis, Sint Vincentius, and PCS, and in the Netherlands at AMC Amsterdam, Spaarne Hoofddorp, MST Enschede, and UMC Utrecht.
He believes deeply in the power of listening. He says, “It’s very important to listen to the patient, they have something important to say.” This philosophy guides his practice in medicine, ensuring that every patient feels heard and valued.
Dr. Anilu Daza Restrepo - Neurologist
Dr Anilu Daza Restrepo