Origin and Development of Cardiovascular Surgery in Guatemala: My Memories by Dr. José Raúl
Cruz Molina details the pioneering efforts in establishing cardiovascular surgery in Guatemala. Dr. Cruz, a key figure in his field, founded the Unidad de Cirugía Cardiovascular de Guatemala (UNICAR)
in 1976, the first cardiac surgery program in the country. His work transformed UNICAR from a small unit into a leading institution with modern facilities, serving thousands of patients annually.
This book covers his personal experiences, challenges, and successes in bringing access to vital cardiovascular care to Guatemala, notably through his collaboration with Dr. Francis Robicsek and the Heineman Foundation. In the early 1970s, with the foundation's backing, Dr. Cruz underwent specialized training in the United States. This training laid the groundwork for the establishment of UNICAR. The Heineman Foundation's support extended beyond just training—they provided essential medical equipment and ongoing collaboration that helped UNICAR become a leading cardiac care
center in Central America.
Download and read Dr. Cruz’s fascinating memoir for free by
clicking on the image below.
