Eladio E. Blanco Rabassa

He was born in San Juan y Martínez, Pinar del Río in humble circumstances. He built a family comprised of his wife Piedad, 2 daughters, 5 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. He was characterized by being an intelligent, tenacious person and above all by his modesty. Due to his jovial, sincere and friendly character, he cultivated many friendships that admired and respected him throughout his life.

He studied Medicine at the University of La Habana from 1937 to 1943, and pursued his career while working at the Hotel Nacional. Once graduated, he began working in the Albertini Ward of the Hospital "General Calixto García" as a Pediatrics specialist first, then Ward Chief, Chief of the Pediatrics Service and Professor from 1943 until 1967.

During that period he also worked as a pediatrician at the Casa de Socorros de Corrales and at the Clinic "El Sagrado Corazón". In 1967 he began working as Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the Children's Hospital "Pedro Borrás Astorga" where he held the positions of Vice Director of Teaching and Chief of the Pediatrics Department and Chief of the Gastroenterology Service.

From 1972 to 1981 he was promoted to Chief of the Pediatric Gastroenterology Service of the National Institute of Gastroenterology and from 1981 to 1990 he worked as Chief of the Gastroenterology Service of the University Children's Hospital of Centro Habana and as of 1991 he was promoted to Consulting Professor.

Throughout his long career he also served as Chief of the Provincial Group of Pediatrics of the Provincial Health Department of Ciudad de La Habana, member of the National Group of Pediatrics of the Ministry of Public Health, member of the Evaluation and Awarding of Teaching Categories Court, President of the Cuban Society of Pediatrics and Consulting Professor of the Pediatrics Department of the Faculty "General Calixto García" of the Medical University of La Habana.

His scientific life was very fruitful and is summarized as follows: Research projects, 15; publications in National Journals, 57; in foreign journals, 3; books and pamphlets, 6; courses attended, 14; courses taught, 25; he participated in more than 100 scientific events and in more than 60 Specialist Panels of Pediatrics. He visited more than 15 countries where he represented our country in scientific events and observed the development possibilities of the specialty.

He was awarded the following distinctions: Founding Professor of the School of Medicine of the University of Oriente, medal "Comandante Manuel Fajardo", distinction "For Cuban Education", medal "José Tey", order "Frank País" of II Degree, order "Carlos J. Finlay", diploma of "University Dignity", distinction XX Anniversary of the Higher Institute of Medical Sciences of La Habana and the medal "50th Anniversary" of graduation and of Medical Services.