Dies in Havana the prominent pathologist DraC. Olga María Piera Rocillo

May 23, 2021

At noon on May 20, 2021, Professor of Merit and DraC. Olga María Piera Rocillo passed away at the age of 84.

She began her medical studies at the University of La Habana in 1954 and, upon its closure, worked as a sales clerk at the Flogar Store in La Habana in 1957.

She graduated as a doctor of medicine in 1963 and obtained the title of specialist of 1st. Degree in Pathological Anatomy at the "Comandante Manuel Fajardo" Hospital in 1966. She later worked at the Military Hospitals "Carlos J. Finlay" and "Luis Díaz Soto" as Head of Pathological Anatomy Services until 1967, and from that year until 1969 at the Provincial Hospital of Santiago de Cuba.

From 1969 to 1971 at the Quinta Covadonga, today "Salvador Allende" Hospital, and from 1971 until 2007 at the University Hospital "General Calixto García".

In 1979 she obtained the scientific title of Doctor of Sciences at the Virchow Institute at Humboldt University in Berlin; in 1986 she achieved the title of specialist of 2nd. Degree in Pathological Anatomy; in 1992 the scientific title of Doctor of Medical Sciences in Cuba; in 1995 the teaching title of Full Professor; in 2000 that of Consulting Professor, and in 2008 that of Professor of Merit.

From 2007 until the time of her death she served as Advisor to the Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences "General Calixto García".

Her rich teaching experience spanning more than half a century was also shared with other peoples. She carried out several internationalist teaching missions: in Yemen for two years, from 1986 to 1988, and later teaching collaboration at Udabol University in La Paz, Bolivia on two occasions during the 2004-2007 period.

She contributed to various publications, among which stand out an article about her husband, Professor Sergio Rabell, a publication in the digital Pedagogy book, co-author of a Chapter in the Pediatric Rheumatology book, support materials for teaching her subject to 2nd year medical students, among others.

In her last years, despite her advanced age and her special teaching status as Consulting Professor and Professor of Merit, she developed direct teaching in undergraduate and graduate programs during the 2012-2013 academic year. She was President of the Scientific Council of the Faculty and Head of the Doctoral Committee of this Council, Member of the Provincial and National State Tribunal of her specialty, Tutor and Opponent of several candidates, participating in multiple national and international events in Panama, Bolivia, Ecuador and Leipzig in the former GDR.

For her valuable teaching, scientific, and social trajectory, she received numerous recognitions, among which stand out:

Medal September 28 as founder of the CDR.
Medal August 23 as founder of the FMC.
Medal as founder of the MNR.
Distinction for Cuban Education.
José Tey Medal.
Commander Manuel Fajardo Medal.
Frank País Order of II and I Degree.
Diploma for Mission in Yemen.
"Alma Mater" Award granted by the FEU of the FCM "General Calixto García"
Certificate of Merit granted by the National Union of Workers of Cuba
Diploma and seal from the Technical University of Ambato, Ecuador, for the magnificent work carried out as Professor of the Medicine program for two years.
Diploma from the Provincial Oncological Unit Solca of Ambato, for her humanitarian, solidarity work and goodwill in favor of cancer patients.
Recognition from the "General Calixto García Iñiguez" Hospital during its 117th Anniversary for her life's work.
Recognition for her status as a revolutionary physician, her dedication and loyalty to the Homeland for 50 years in Service of Public Health (MINSAP).

Her example will always be present among those of us who were able to enjoy her company, her teachings, and her solidarity.