History of René Favaloro in Timeline

René Gerónimo Favaloro was an Argentine cardiac surgeon renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to coronary artery bypass surgery. His innovative technique, utilizing the great saphenous vein, revolutionized cardiac surgery and has since saved countless lives. Favaloro's legacy extends beyond his surgical innovations; he was also a dedicated educator and advocate for accessible healthcare.

July 12, 1923: Birth of René Favaloro

René Gerónimo Favaloro was born on July 12, 1923. He would become a renowned Argentine cardiac surgeon famous for his pioneering work in coronary artery bypass surgery.

1923: Early Life and Heritage

In 1923, René Favaloro was born and subsequently raised in La Plata, Argentina. His family had Sicilian roots, with his grandparents originating from the island of Salina.

1936: Education at Colegio Nacional de La Plata

In 1936, René Favaloro began his secondary education at the Colegio Nacional de La Plata, marking the beginning of his academic journey.

1949: Medical Graduation from National University of La Plata

René Favaloro graduated with a medical degree from the National University of La Plata in 1949, a pivotal step towards his career in cardiac surgery.

1951: Marriage to María Antonia Delgado

René Favaloro married María Antonia Delgado in 1951. This marked a significant personal milestone in his life.

1967: Pioneering Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

In 1967, René Favaloro revolutionized cardiac surgery by pioneering coronary artery bypass surgery using the saphenous vein. This groundbreaking technique, aimed at bypassing obstructed coronary arteries, significantly impacted the treatment of coronary disease.

1970: Publication of "Surgical Treatment of Coronary Arteriosclerosis"

In 1970, René Favaloro authored and published "Surgical Treatment of Coronary Arteriosclerosis," a seminal work that further solidified his contributions to the field of cardiac surgery.

1971: Return to Argentina and Vision for Excellence

Driven by a vision to establish a center of excellence, René Favaloro returned to Argentina in 1971, aiming to create an institution that seamlessly integrated medical attention, research, and education.

1975: Establishment of the Fundación Favaloro

In 1975, René Favaloro, along with dedicated collaborators, founded the Fundación Favaloro, a testament to his commitment to advancing cardiac care, research, and education in Argentina.

1979: John Scott Prize Award

René Favaloro was honored with the John Scott Prize in 1979, a prestigious award granted in Philadelphia, recognizing his outstanding contributions to science and technology.

1980: Founding of the "Basic Investigation Laboratory"

In 1980, René Favaloro established the "Basic Investigation Laboratory." Initially funded by Favaloro himself, the laboratory demonstrated his commitment to supporting scientific research and its potential to improve medical care.

1980: Establishment of the "Dr. René G. Favaloro" Chair of Cardiovascular Surgery

Tel Aviv University in Israel honored René Favaloro in 1980 by establishing the "Dr. René G. Favaloro" Chair of Cardiovascular Surgery, solidifying his international impact on the field.

1982: Recognition by Fundación Conchita Rábago de Giménez Díaz

René Favaloro received recognition from the Fundación Conchita Rábago de Giménez Díaz in Madrid, Spain, in 1982, highlighting the international appreciation for his work.

1986: Teacher Prize of Argentinian Medicine Award

René Favaloro was honored with the Teacher Prize of Argentinian Medicine in 1986, acknowledging his significant contributions to medical education.

1987: Distinguished Alumnus Award from Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Gairdner Foundation International Award

In 1987, René Favaloro received two prestigious honors: the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and the Gairdner Foundation International Award from the Gairdner Foundation in Toronto, Canada, further highlighting his global impact.

1989: René Leriche Prize Award

The International Surgery Society bestowed upon René Favaloro the René Leriche Prize in 1989, acknowledging his outstanding contributions to the field of surgery.

1990: Treating Tito Lectoure

In 1990, renowned cardiac surgeon René Favaloro performed surgery on Tito Lectoure, a prominent figure known for his role as a boxing promoter and owner of the Luna Park arena.

1992: Gifted Teacher Award from American College of Cardiology

The American College of Cardiology recognized René Favaloro's exceptional teaching abilities with the Gifted Teacher Award in 1992.

1992: Opening of the Favaloro Foundation Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery

The Favaloro Foundation Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery opened its doors in Buenos Aires in 1992. This institute, operating under the motto "advanced technology in the service of medical humanism," became a hub for specialized cardiac care.

1993: Golden Plate Award and Diamond Konex Award

René Favaloro received two significant awards in 1993: the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement, recognizing his lifetime achievements, and the Diamond Konex Award in Argentina, honoring him as the most important scientist in the country over the preceding decade.

August 1998: Transformation into Universidad Favaloro

In August 1998, the "Basic Investigation Laboratory" founded by René Favaloro underwent a significant transformation, evolving into the Universidad Favaloro. This underscored Favaloro's dedication to fostering education and research in the medical field.

1998: Death of María Antonia Delgado and its Impact

The year 1998 marked a turning point in René Favaloro's personal life with the death of his wife, María Antonia Delgado. This loss deeply affected him, contributing to the challenges he faced in his later years.

1999: Prince Mahidol Award

In 1999, His Majesty the King of Thailand presented René Favaloro with the prestigious Prince Mahidol Award in Bangkok, Thailand.

July 29, 2000: Death of René Favaloro

On July 29, 2000, René Favaloro died. His death, attributed to suicide, was linked to the financial difficulties of the Favaloro Foundation, highlighting the challenges he faced within the healthcare system.

2000: Closure of Centro Editor de la Fundación Favaloro

The Centro Editor de la Fundación Favaloro, the publishing arm of the Favaloro Foundation, ceased operations in 2000.

2007: Named Second-Greatest Argentine of All Time

In 2007, the TV show "El Gen Argentino" recognized René Favaloro's lasting impact by naming him the second-greatest Argentine of all time.

July 12, 2019: Google Doodle Commemoration

On July 12, 2019, Google commemorated what would have been René Favaloro's 96th birthday with a special Google Doodle, showcasing his global recognition.