The recent growth of the Medical Tourism industry has grabbed the attention of one of the most influential men in America.
Reports released by the Wall Street Journal revealed that during his recent medical leave in 2009 the CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs, sought treatment for a rare but treatable form of pancreatic cancer known as an islet cell neuroendocrine tumor. During his leave the Wall Street Journal also uncovered that Jobs had undergone an unpublicized liver transplant at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
In January 2011 Fortune released new details shared off-the-record by the former Apple director Jerry York, following his death in March of 2010. According to the article, Jobs and his doctors had sought treatment abroad in Switzerland, as it is the home of the world-renowned University Hospital of Basel, which has developed a special form of hormone-delivered radiotherapy to treat neuroendocrine cancer.
On January 17, 2011 Jobs unfortunately announced that he is taking a medical leave of absence for the third time in 7 years according to a release issued by Apple. Jobs email reads:
Team,
At my request, the board of directors has granted me a medical leave of absence so I can focus on my health. I will continue as CEO and be involved in major strategic decisions for the company.
I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for all of Apple's day to day operations. I have great confidence that Tim and the rest of the executive management team will do a terrific job executing the exciting plans we have in place for 2011.
I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, my family and I would deeply appreciate respect for our privacy.
Steve
We hope one of America’s favorite businessmen will make a speedy recovery (in whichever country he may be seeking treatment) and return to his position at the company he loves so much.