Dtained by its long history ofa, his contributions as a physician, and for being a pioneer in laparoscopic and robotic surgery in the country. in the country.

The Dominican Medical Association (CMD) awarded its highest academic award “Masters of Dominican Medicine” to Dr. Rafael Sánchez Español, general director and president of the Board of Directors of the Hospital Metropolitano de Santiago (HOMS), for his career and contributions to Dominican medicine.

The award was presented by Dr. Rufino Senén Caba, president of the CMD; Dr. Wilson Mejía, vice-rector of the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD); Hilario Reyes Pérez, director of Medical Residencies of the Ministry of Public Health; Martín Ortiz, from the Maternal and Child Division of the National Health Service (SNS); and Cecilia Mosquea, from the Medical Education Secretariat of the CMD.

His biographical sketch was read by Dr. Juan Félix Capellán, who reviewed Sánchez Español’s vast career, highlighting his contributions as a physician, teacher and his great human qualities.

Among the imprints of Sanchez Español, the support he always gave to his residents, as coordinator of the General Surgery Residency at the Cabral y Baez Hospital, where his personal stamp is reflected, giving a 90-degree turn to the training of new surgeons.

In addition, he founded a hernia clinic in the same center, the first in the country for this pathology. He also created and expedited the equipping of the first intensive care unit (ICU) in 1986. He was the first in the Cibao region to perform laparoscopic surgery and the second in the country in 1991. In 1993 he was the forerunner in conducting the first theoretical and practical course in laparoscopic surgery. Founder of the Hospital Metropolitano de Santiago (HOMS), pioneering the use of robotics in the Dominican Republic, among others.

Upon receiving the award, also known as the “Master of Surgery”, expressed his gratitude to the guild for the distinction, which honors him and his family. “Being a doctor was a dream I longed for since I was a child, perhaps because of my mother’s influence to make me aware, but as a blessing from God the passion for this career was born in me and I decided that I had to be a good, prepared and updated doctor, but always putting humanity and compassion for the patient first.”

The moment was propitious to emphasize that he is a graduate of the UASD, and that he did his residency in surgery at the Luis Eduardo Aybar Hospital, where great professors whom he misses, gave him their knowledge, taught him to love the art of surgery, and motivated him to make the most of his time. “I consider myself fortunate to have had access to good training, and that my love for surgery and patients kept me interested in keeping up with technological advances, but more fortunate to have been able to pass on my knowledge to other generations of physicians, as they did with me,” he said.

Along with Dr. Sánchez Español, his colleagues Dr. Altagracia Guzmán Marcelino, Dr. Argelia Aybar Muñoz and Dr. Mario Geraldino Oller were also honored.

During the CMD president’s speech, he pointed out that since 1975 to date, more than 165 medical professionals have been recognized, who have had a life that is difficult to emulate.

With the presentation of the highest award “Masters of Dominican Medicine”, held at the Dr. Manuel Durán Bracho Hall, the Dominican Medical Association closed its week of celebration on the occasion of the 132nd anniversary of its foundation.