This Friday the Cardioinfantil Foundation – LaCardio, reported the sad death of Dr. Camilo Cabrera Polanía, founder, director emeritus and member of the Superior Council of that organization. At 91 years old, Dr. Camilo Cabrera Polanía died in the city of Bogotá, leaving an indelible legacy in the institution and in cardiovascular surgery in the country, thanks to his contributions in this field.
Born in Yaguará (Huila) on November 3, 1932, Camilo Cabrera Polanía stood out from an early age for his passion and dedication to medicine. After completing his medical studies at the National University, he completed a fellowship in cardiovascular medicine at the Texas Medical Center in Houston.
In 1973, he returned to the country together with his brother Reinaldo Cabrera and created the Cardioinfantil Foundation, an institution that since then has been synonymous with excellence and commitment to the health of the region in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in children and adults, as well as in transplant medicine, among other specialties.
The Cardioinfantil Foundation – LaCardio is one of the few Colombian institutions internationally accredited by the Joint Commission International and, since 2016, it has been recognized as a University Hospital by the Intersectorial Committee for Human Talent in Health.
In 2021, after 48 years of experience, the Cardioinfantil Foundation renewed its image and was renamed the Cardioinfantil Foundation – LaCardio. Today it is a hospital complex that provides specialized care in cardiovascular medicine, transplants and highly complex pediatrics services.
From left to right Dr. Nestor Sandoval, leader of the Institute of Congenital Heart Diseases; Dr. Camilo Cabrera Polanía, founder of the Cardioinfantil Foundation – LaCardio; and Dr. Jaime Camacho, leader of Cardiovascular Surgery.
Photo:Cardioinfant Foundation – LaCardio
Among the most notable contributions of Dr. Cabrera are the development of cardiovascular and thoracic aorta surgery from the chair of the National University at the San Juan de Dios Hospital, and especially in the development of congenital heart disease surgery through of the Cardioinfantil Foundation.
Likewise, he contributed to group practice and joint work between cardiology and intensive care at the beginning of cardiovascular surgery in Colombia.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Doctor Camilo. His dedication and humanity have been a beacon for us all. We will continue his work with the same commitment and passion that he taught us,” said Dr. Juan Gabriel Cendales, executive director of the Cardioinfantil-LaCardio Foundation.
Through a statement, the LaCardio community extended its most sincere condolences to his wife Christel Kreibohm de Cabrera, to his children Juan Camilo and his wife Johana, Federico and his wife Elena; his grandchildren Clara, Miguel, Pablo, Martín and all of his relatives; As well as to your students, friends and colleagues, we extend a hug of solidarity and strength to face this moment.
Dr. Camilo Cabrera Polanía, founder of the Cardioinfantil Foundation – LaCardio
Photo:Cardioinfant Foundation – LaCardio
“Dr. Cabrera’s legacy transcends the walls of the hospital, a work that has benefited countless patients and families, inspiring generations of medical professionals, who recognize his vision and leadership in him,” the clinic said in a statement. .
The Cardioinfantil Foundation – LaCardio invited their families and loved ones to accompany Dr. Cabrera’s viewing, which will take place on Saturday, June 15 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Torreón Docente Auditorium of LaCardio (Calle 163 a #13b- 60, Bogotá) and the funeral ceremony on Sunday, June 16, in the Chapel of the Holy Apostles of the Gimnasio Moderno – Cra 9 #74-99 at 9:30 am.
EDWIN CAICEDO
Environment and health journalist
@CaicedoUcros
