November 10, 2026
IU Health South Region surgeon and U.S. Navy veteran has an innate drive to serve
IU Health Bloomington Hospital
Bloomington general surgeon and IU Health South Region General Surgery Medical Director Camilo Santiago, MD, has wanted to help others since he was a child. That heart for service led him to the United States Navy.
For more than 11 years, Dr. Santiago served as a medical officer after undergoing all his training with the Navy. He deployed three times, rose to the rank of lieutenant, and was recognized with a NAVY and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and two Commendation Medals.
“People who join the military, they are inclined to provide service,” he shared. “That’s very similar in medicine—They’re always driven to provide service.”
Dr. Santiago says this drive is an innate calling in some people. That calling also led him to expanding his role after joining IU Health, even though he originally didn’t intend to work in a leadership position.
“I have a busy practice to begin with,” he said.
He sees patients in Bloomington, is a visiting specialist at other regional facilities and sometimes travels across the state to help other IU Heath teams that need coverage.
“I enjoy going into the smaller communities and underserved areas,” says Dr. Santiago. “You provide care for people who wouldn’t get it otherwise.”
When asked if he would be the IU Health South Region Medical Director for General Surgery, Dr. Santiago knew he had an opportunity to make a bigger impact on key issues, including:
- Delivery of care
- Reducing infections
- Opportunities for quality improvement
- Addressing coverage concerns
- Recruiting the right people to join the team
His dual role of surgeon and leader takes a lot of coordination, especially since he is also on multiple counsels and committees.
“There are moments when you have to say, ‘I can’t do this’ or you need to ask for help,” he said.
His military background also prepared him for his numerous responsibilities.
“It showed me that you can do all things as long as you have proper planning, input, and medical knowledge.”
*Photos provided by Dr. Santiago.
