Dr. Sajidxa Mariño
Sajidxa Mariño, M.D. is the Founder and Director of Respira Libre, the first otorhinolaryngology center specializing in laser surgery performed in-office in Venezuela and Latin America, and Ex-President of the Venezuelan Society of Otorhinolaryngology with over 23 years of experience in otorhinolaryngology and minimally invasive surgical innovations.
She is internationally recognized as a pioneer in laser diode surgery for nasal obstructions and the first to introduce Balloon Sinuplasty in Latin America, having successfully treated over 2,000 patients across three countries. As Director of Respira Libre since August 2017, she has expanded the center internationally with locations in Venezuela (headquarters), Miami, Dominican Republic, and upcoming expansion to Europe.
Sajidxa is also a long-standing Speaker and Expert for Latin American pharmaceutical products in otorhinolaryngology, a position she has held since April 2002, providing medical education and training to healthcare specialists across the region.
Her continuous pursuit of knowledge led her to complete specializations at prestigious medical centers in France, Italy, Spain, United States, and Colombia. These international experiences enabled her to acquire cutting-edge skills in endoscopic nasal and sinus surgery.
She has pioneered the use of laser diode technology for turbinate surgery in Venezuela, having performed over 154 successful procedures on patients ranging from 7 to 82 years old. At the 4th International Congress of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology IAPO in Bolivia in 2018, she shared her experience treating 125 children and adolescents with diode laser technology, demonstrating her commitment to pediatric otorhinolaryngology. Read Leadership and maximising resources: the view from Brazil and Venezuela.
As a leader in Balloon Sinuplasty in Latin America, Sajidxa has treated 102 patients with 224 paranasal sinuses, including 86 adults and 16 children. Her expertise spans 198 maxillary, 23 frontal, and 29 sphenoid procedures. She received the 2014 National Rhinology Award from the Venezuelan Congress of Otorhinolaryngology for her publication Efficacy of Balloon Sinuplasty in Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Sinus Pathology.
Respira Libre utilizes a pioneering technique of laser surgery in-office prescribed for conditions including turbinate hypertrophy, nasal polyps, palate issues (snoring), obstructive sleep apnea, and Eustachian tube dysfunction. In October 2017, she inaugurated the Respira Libre center in Caracas at Terrazas del Club Hípico, marking a significant milestone in Venezuelan otorhinolaryngology. Watch Dra. Sajidxa Mariño Sinuplastia Con Balon.
Sajidxa served as President of the Venezuelan Society of Otorhinolaryngology from 2015 to 2018, during which she championed numerous educational initiatives for residents and specialists. She previously held multiple leadership positions within the society, including Vice President from 2013 to 2015, Secretary from 2011 to 2013, and Treasurer from 2009 to 2011.
For over a decade, she served as National Coordinator of Courses for Residents, organizing three annual courses for postgraduate programs in Caracas, Barquisimeto, Maracaibo, and Mérida. Under her leadership in the last 10 years, she has been instrumental in overcoming various limitations to ensure continuous professional development for otorhinolaryngology members and training for new generations. Watch Respira Libre Margarita | Un Café con Shia Bertoni.
Beyond her medical career, Sajidxa is an author, having written her first book Aprendiendo a Vivir Mi Sueño (Learning to Live My Dream), which reflects her passion for inspiring and educating others. She hosts the health program Respira Libre broadcast Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. on Meridiano Televisión, 9:00 a.m. on Difusión Latina 97.7 FM, and 11:00 a.m. on Actualidad Radio 1070 AM | 103.FM in Miami. The program features medical specialists and provides valuable health information to the Hispanic community. Watch Vida y Salud: cirugía láser de hipertrofia de cornetes.
She earned her Medical Degree from Universidad Central de Venezuela in 1993 and completed her Postgraduate specialization in Otorhinolaryngology at Hospital Dr. Domingo Luciani from 1995 to 1998. Her international training includes courses at Sinus Forum in New York, Washington, and Colorado from 2009 to 2013, endoscopic rhinosinusal surgery with Dr. Alfredo Herrera in Bogotá, Colombia from 2005 to 2013, and advanced training at Instituto de Audiología García-Ibañez in Barcelona, Spain in 2000. She also completed fellowships at Instituto Georges Portmann in Bordeaux, France from 1999 to 2000, and clinical rotations at Miami Children’s Hospital in 1998.
Throughout her career, Sajidxa has held numerous prestigious positions, including Medical Specialist in Nasal and Sinus Surgery at Grupo Médico Otorrinolaringológico Instituto Otohospital from 2014 to 2017, and otorhinolaryngologist at Centro Médico Hospital Privado San Martin de Porres in Guatire from December 1998 to April 2015.
She has been instrumental in developing the Venezuelan Society of Otorhinolaryngology’s web presence as Website Developer from 2001 to 2007 and served as Liaison Member with the American Academy of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery from 2007 to 2018.
As a thought leader, she has presented at numerous international conferences, including speaking engagements at the Caracas 42K Marathon conference series where she discussed the importance of proper breathing for athletic performance. She emphasized that breathing should be through the nose, not the mouth, and that runners should increase nasal washing frequency when exposed to environmental contamination.
Her expertise extends to educating the public about the relationship between respiratory health and quality of life through various media appearances and educational initiatives. Follow her Respira Libre YouTube, Respira Libre, and Respira Libre Miami Instagram profiles.
Sajidxa has authored numerous scientific publications, including her award-winning research on balloon sinuplasty efficacy. She received the 2013 Rhinology Mention Award from the Venezuelan Society of Otorhinolaryngology for her work.
Her publication “Mi Experiencia en Sinuplastia con Balon” was featured in the Revista Rinología Ciencia y Arte of the Venezuelan Society of Rhinology and Facial Surgery. She has been featured in major media outlets including Globovisión, Color Visión Canal 9 in Dominican Republic, and numerous radio programs across Latin America. Read Inauguran en Caracas Centro Otorrinolaringológico Respira Libre and Venezolanos inician centro otorrinolaringología en RD.
As a prominent female leader in Latin American otorhinolaryngology, she has noted that “In Venezuela, otolaryngology has been very well-represented by women. Having been preceded by them has been a strength, and the recognition of the years of work has given its rewards.” She advocates for mentorship and sponsorship of women in medicine, acknowledging that while doors are increasingly open, guidance is still valuable for managing the dual responsibilities of family and profession. Watch Entrevista Globovisión.
Sajidxa resides in Venezuela and continues to expand her medical practice internationally while maintaining her commitment to education, innovation, and improving respiratory health across Latin America. Her work has impacted thousands of patients through her pioneering surgical techniques and dedication to making advanced ENT treatments accessible without traditional surgery.
Visit her LinkedIn profile, Respira Libre Homepage, her blog at Respiraryvivirlibre.blogspot.com, and her Respira Libre YouTube channel. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and X.