Yale-educated Colombian Minister of Health, José Félix Patiño Restrepo, MD, passed away on Feb. 26, 2020. He was 93 years old.
Dr. Patino graduated from the Yale School of Medicine in 1952; and his thesis “Studies on the Transplantation of Embryonic Endocrine Tissues” was so groundbreaking that it sits in our Yale Surgery Hall of Fame, to this day.
After obtaining his M.D., Dr. Patino completed his general surgery and cardiothoracic surgery training at Yale New Haven Hospital, during which time he became close friends with John E. Fenn, MD, whom he would refer to as “hermano” (brother). Following his YNHH training years, Dr. Patiño returned to Colombia where he began an esteemed career in academics and in public service. He would eventually be considered one of the founding fathers of Colombia’s modern medicine.
In 1958, Dr. Patino returned to Colombia where he introduced total parenteral nutrition to Latin America as head of the Department of Surgery of the University Hospital of La Samaritana in Bogotá. He co-founded the Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá Hospital, to this day, one of the most prestigious institutions in South America.
As the country’s National Minister of Health (1962-1963), Dr. Patino approved the use of generic drugs, dramatically lowering costs, and, as a consequence, democratized access to treatment among underserved populations.
His stories inspired many medical students to follow in his footsteps, and pursue an international career at Yale — including me!
Michelle C. Salazar, MD
Dr. Patino served in multiple leadership positions including Director of the Association of Medical Colleges, President of the National University, and President of the National Academy of Medicine.
In 2003, Dr. Patino Founded Universidad de Los Andes School of Medicine, which he modeled off Yale School of Medicine.
“When given the opportunity, he would reminisce about his ‘golden years’ at Yale. His stories inspired many medical students to follow in his footsteps, and pursue an international career at Yale — including me!” said Colombia-born, General Surgery Resident, Michelle C. Salazar, MD.
Dr. Patino remained in faculty at Universidad de Los Andes until the day he died. “It was being around trainees that brought him the most joy,” said Dr. Salazar.