Assessment of Knowledge Among the Physicians Regarding Dental Screening Prior to Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the physicians' knowledge regarding the referral for dental screening prior to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Material and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using simple random sampling among 468 physicians from various specialties with diverse experience levels from different regions in Saudi Arabia. A self-reporting questionnaire was distributed among the physicians, which consisted of questions assessing the physicians' knowledge about oral health and complications in patients prior to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Statistical analysis was done after the data was collected employing SPSS, and p<0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Residents were more as expected (39.3%), followed by specialists (2.31%). The majority had a practice experience for more than five years (67.8%).The scores for the knowledge assessment showed that 51.3%, nearly half of the participants, had lower scores. The scores were statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: General physicians and specialists should be aware of the dental complications and associated diseases in patients with malignancies and those undergoing chemo and radiotherapy. It is proposed that more awareness should be raised among physicians to rectify this lapse.

Centenario de Médica, el legado mayor del Dr. Mario E. Dihigo / The centenary of Medica, the biggest legacy of Dr. Mario E. Dihigo

RESUMEN Introducción: el Dr. Mario E. Dihigo Llanos, junto a un grupo de colegas emprendedores, fundó en Matanzas, en 1921, la revista Médica (devenida Revista Médica Electrónica en 1997). Objetivos: resaltar el centenario de la publicación y contribuir a la preservación de la memoria del eximio pedagogo. Materiales y métodos: fueron utilizados métodos de la investigación histórica, como el analítico-sintético y el deductivo-inductivo, así como los submétodos cronológico y geográfico. Se realizaron entrevistas y se revisó el legado documental del Dr. Dihigo. La información fue triangulada con las fuentes referenciadas y con otras bibliografías y documentos consultados. Resultados: se resaltaron algunos de los aspectos más significativos relacionados con la vida y la obra del Dr. Dihigo, y se realizó una caracterización de las primeras etapas de la revista, donde se abordan su significación histórica y científica. Conclusiones: sus aportes en Medicina y Pedagogía, así como sus esfuerzos por establecer la revista Médica, son los mayores legados de Dihigo (AU).

ABSTRACT Introduction: Dr. Mario E. Dihigo Llanos, and a group of colleagues-enterprisers, founded the journal Medica (renamed Revista Medica Electronica in 1997) in Matanzas, in 1921. Objectives: to highlight the centenary of the journal and to contribute to keep the memory of the prominent pedagogue up. Materials and methods: methods of the historical research were used like the analytic-synthetic and the deductive-inductive ones, and also the chronological and geographic sub-methods. Interviews were made and the documental legacy of Dr. Mario Dihigo was reviewed. The information was compared with the referenced sources and the other referred bibliography and documents. Results: some of the most significant features of Dr. Dihigo's life and work were emphasized. A characterization of the first stages of the journal was carried out, approaching its historical and scientific significance. Conclusions: the main Dihigo's legacies were his contributions to Medicine and Pedagogy, and his efforts for founding the journal Medica (AU).

Ramón Madrigal Lomba, médico e historiador / Ramón Madrigal Lomba: doctor and historian

RESUMEN Las ciencias médicas matanceras, a lo largo de su historia, han contado con personalidades reconocidas por sus conocimientos y entrega a sus respectivas especialidades. En el campo de la Cirugía contemporánea, se destaca el doctor y profesor Ramón Madrigal Lomba, quien unió a su desempeño quirúrgico y pedagógico la pasión por la historia, lo que también lo llevó a sobresalir en esa disciplina. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue contribuir al conocimiento de su vida y su obra (AU).

ABSTRACT Medical sciences in Matanzas have had, for many years, the contribution of many personalities known by their knowledge and devotion to the medical specialties they have practiced. Contemporarily, doctor and professor Ramon Madrigal Lomba stood out in the specialty of Surgery; he summed up to his surgical and pedagogical performance a passion for History, a subject where he also excelled. The objective of this work was modestly contributing to the knowledge of his life and work (AU).

Los médicos y la industria farmacéutica: impacto sobre actitudes y hábitos de prescripción / Physicians and the pharmaceutical industry: impact on prescription attitudes and habits

Resumen Introducción: La relación médico-industria farmacéutica (IF) se ha identificado como un problema ético por favorecer conflictos de interés derivados de los beneficios que reciben los médicos y que pueden afectar su juicio clínico. Objetivo: Identificar la frecuencia de participación de médicos en actividades financiadas por la IF, las actitudes de estos profesionales hacia los representantes de la IF, su conducta prescriptiva y la asociación de sus características y del trabajo con la participación en actividades financiadas por la IF. Método: Encuesta transversal a médicos internistas y cardiólogos. El cuestionario incluyó características de los médicos y centro de trabajo, participación en actividades financiadas por la IF, actitudes hacia los representantes y conducta de prescripción. Resultados: Se analizaron 455 cuestionarios, 78.5 % de los encuestados tuvo conocimiento de la relación médico-IF, la mayoría respondió reunirse con representantes de la IF, 30 % indicó haber recibido subsidios financieros y 10 % consideró que los obsequios afectan su prescripción. Tener conocimiento previo de la relación médico-IF se asoció con menor participación en actividades educativas financiadas por por la IF. Conclusión: Las prácticas y preferencias hacia la IF muestran la necesidad de diseñar estrategias para evitar la prescripción inapropiada.

Abstract Introduction: The physician-pharmaceutical industry relationship has been identified as an ethical problem, due to conflicts of interest motivated by the benefits that doctors receive and that can affect their clinical judgment. Objective: To identify the frequency of physicians participation in activities financed by the pharmaceutical industry (PI), their attitudes towards PI representatives (PIRs), their prescriptive behavior and the association between their characteristics and their workplace with their participation in activities financed by the PI. Method: Cross-sectional survey to internists and cardiologists. The questionnaire included characteristics of the doctors and their workplace, participation in activities financed by the PI, attitudes towards PIRs, and prescription behavior. Results: 455 questionnaires were analyzed; 78.5 % of surveyed subjects were aware of the physician-PI relationship, the majority acknowledged meeting with PIRs, 30 % indicated having received financial subsidies and 10 % considered that gifts affect their prescription. Having prior knowledge of the physician-PI relationship was associated with less participation in PI-financed educational activities. Conclusion: Practices and preferences towards the PI show the need to design strategies to avoid inappropriate prescription.

Importancia del cuadro básico de medicamentos en la prescripción médica / Importance of the list of essential medicines in medical prescription

Resumen La implementación en instituciones de salud de un cuadro básico permite adquirir y administrar una larga lista de medicamentos que presenta a los médicos las alternativas de tratamiento, así como la descripción académica colegiada de indicaciones, dosis, efectos secundarios, interacciones y análisis de costo-beneficio, con lo que se facilita la prescripción médica y la administración de insumos para la salud. El Comité de Ética y Transparencia en la Relación Médico-Industria emite diversas recomendaciones para la optimización de los beneficios generados por los cuadros básico de medicamentos.

Abstract The implementation of an essential medicines list in health institutions allows acquiring and administering a long list of drugs that offers treatment alternatives to physicians, as well as a collegiate academic description of indications, doses, side effects, interactions and cost-benefit analyses, thus facilitating medical prescription and administration of health products. The Committee of Ethics and Transparency in the Physician-Industry Relationship issues several recommendations for optimizing the benefits generated by essential medicines lists.

Doctor Eusebio Hernández Pérez, patriota insigne y Padre de la obstetricia cubana / Doctor Eusebio Hernandez Perez, outstanding patriot and Father of Cuban Obstetrics

RESUMEN Patriota, médico y científico cubano, especialista en Obstetricia y Ginecología, Eusebio Hernández Pérez fue combatiente de las tres guerras del siglo xix por la independencia de Cuba. Como hombre de ciencias obtuvo notables reconocimientos y dejó una apreciable obra escrita en el terreno de la Obstetricia y la Ginecología. Fue un destacado revolucionario cubano, historiador y partícipe de los hechos narrados, y un excepcional profesor de Obstetricia y Ginecología de la Universidad de la Habana durante 30 años (AU).

SUMMARY Cuban patriot, physician and scientist, specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Eusebio Hernandez Perez was fighter of the three wars for Cuban independence in the XIX century. As a man of sciences he got remarkable recognitions and led a substantial written work in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He was an outstanding Cuban revolutionary, historian and participant of the events recounted and an exceptional professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the University of Havana for thirty years (AU).

Understanding changes in doctor moral hazard behaviour in response to government healthcare reform / Entendiendo los cambios en el riesgo moral del comportamiento médico en respuesta a la reforma de atención de salud del gobierno / Compreendendo mudanças no comportamento de risco moral médico em resposta a reforma governamental de cuidados à saúde

Doctor moral hazard has a significant effect on the doctor-patient relationship, increases the cost of healthcare, and introduces medical risks. It is a global concern. Doctor moral hazard behaviour is evolving in response to China's healthcare reform program which was inaugurated in 2009.A scientific understanding of doctor behaviour would facilitate the prevention and control of doctor moral hazard behaviour. This study used the principles and methodology of Glaser and Strauss's grounded theory. Theoretical and snowball samplings were used to identify 60 subjects. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with each subject. Themes were identified through substantial (open) coding and theoretical coding. Six types of doctor moral hazard behaviour were extracted from the data. A behavioural model was described and diagrammed to provide a conceptual framework of current doctor moral hazard behaviour. The conceptual model of doctor moral hazard behaviour can be used in several ways to correct or prevent undesirable actions. Rules governing hospital procedures can be strengthened and enforced by supervision and punishment; the asymmetry of information between doctor and patient can be reduced; patient participation in treatment decisions can be increased; the effectiveness of medical ethics education can be improved.

Para un médico, el riesgo moral tiene un efecto significativo en la relación médico-paciente, incrementa el costo de la atención de salud e introduce riesgos en la salud. Se trata de una preocupación global. El riesgo moral del comportamiento médico ha evolucionado en respuesta al programa de reforma de atención de salud del gobierno de China, inaugurado en 2009. Un entendimiento científico del comportamiento de los médicos facilitaría la prevención y el control del riesgo moral. El presente estudio usa los principios y metodología de la teoría fundamentada de Glaser y Strauss. Se usaron muestras teóricas y multiplicativas para identificar 60 sujetos y realizar entrevistas semiestructuradas en profundidad. Los temas se identificaron mediante codificación sustancial abierta y teórica. De los datos se extrajeron seis tipos de riesgo moral del comportamiento médico. Se describió y diagramó un modelo de comportamiento para proporcionar una estructura conceptual del riesgo moral del comportamiento médico actual. El modelo conceptual de riesgo moral del comportamiento médico puede usarse de varias maneras para corregir o prevenir acciones no deseadas. Las normas procedimentales de los hospitales pueden fortalecerse y exigirse mediante supervisión y castigo; se puede reducir la asimetría de la información que se da entre el médico y el paciente, incrementar la participación del paciente en decisiones de tratamiento y mejorar la efectividad en la educación en ética médica.

Risco moral médico tem um efeito significativo na relação médico-paciente, aumenta o custo dos cuidados à saúde e introduz riscos médicos. É uma preocupação global. Comportamento de risco moral médico vem se desenvolvendo em resposta ao programa de reforma de cuidados à saúde da China, que se iniciou em 2009. Uma compreensão científica do comportamento médico facilitaria a prevenção e controle do comportamento de risco moral médico. Este estudo utilizou os princípios da metodologia da Teoria Fundamentada de Glaser e Strauss. Amostragem teóricas e por bola de neve foram utilizadas para identificar 60 participantes. Entrevistas detalhadas semi-estruturadas foram realizadas com cada participante. Temas foram identificados através de codificação (aberta) substancial e codificação teórica. Seis tipos de comportamento de risco moral médico foram obtidos dos dados. Um modelo comportamental foi descrito e diagramado de forma a fornecer um enquadre conceitual do comportamento de risco moral médico. O modelo conceitual de comportamento de risco moral médico pode ser utilizado de diversas formas para corrigir ou prevenir ações indesejáveis. Regras que governam procedimentos em hospitais podem ser fortalecidas e reforçadas por supervisão e punição; a assimetria de informações entre médicos e pacientes pode ser reduzida; a participação dos pacientes nas decisões sobre tratamento pode ser aumentada; e a efetividade da educação ética médica pode ser melhorada.

Saberes médicos y reflexiones morales durante el período rosista: Buenos Aires, 1835-1847 / Medical knowledge and moral reflections during the Rosas era: Buenos Aires, 1835-1847

Resumen Este artículo analiza cómo el discurso médico incorpora una serie de reflexiones sobre las conductas morales en Buenos Aires en la primera parte del siglo XIX. A través del estudio de tres textos, cuyos autores son los médicos Diego Alcorta, Guillermo Rawson y Francisco Javier Muñiz se identifican una serie de registros argumentales que resaltan el funcionamiento de los órganos, la cuestión de la herencia y la gravitación del clima en función de reflexionar sobre la moralidad de los individuos y las poblaciones. Este fenómeno de transferencia de saberes se debe a la presencia de la tradición médica francesa sumándose a factores locales derivados del intenso proceso de politización de la sociedad bajo el segundo gobierno de Juan Manuel de Rosas.

Abstract This article analyzes how medical discourse incorporated a series of reflections on moral behaviors in Buenos Aires in the early nineteenth century. Based on the study of three texts authored by the physicians Diego Alcorta, Guillermo Rawson and Francisco Javier Muñiz, it identifies a series of discursive registers that stress the role of organ functions, the question of heredity and the influence of climate in reflections on the morality of individuals and populations. This phenomenon of knowledge transfer is due to the presence of the French medical tradition, in addition to local factors stemming from the intense process of politicization of society under the second administration of Juan Manuel de Rosas.

Libertad de prescripción médica / Freedom of medical prescription

Resumen Los médicos requieren flexibilidad para sus prescripciones. Sin embargo, algunos límites están marcados tanto por el conocimiento vigente como por las restricciones de acceso, normas y reglamentos. El Comité de Ética y Transparencia en la Relación Médico-Industria (CETREMI) propone varias sugerencias para ayudar a los pacientes, que incluyen la selección de las mejores alternativas para cada caso, la protocolización de variaciones a los estándares de prescripción (dosis, indicaciones, etcétera) por escrito en el expediente y eludir modas, novedades no probadas, argumentos simplemente publicitarios o promocionales y conflictos de interés.

Abstract Doctors require flexibility for prescription. However, some limits are laid down both by current knowledge and by restrictions imposed by access and rules and regulations. The Committee for Ethics and Transparency in the Physician-Industry Relationship (CETREMI) of the National Academy of Medicine proposes several suggestions to help patients, which include the selection of the best alternatives for each case, formalization of prescription standards variations (doses, drug indications, etc.) written down in the medical records, and avoidance of fashions, untested novelties, argumentations solely based on advertising or commercial promotion and conflicts of interest.

El pensamiento ético de José Martí en la formación del médico cubano / The ethical thought of José Marti in the training of the Cuban physician

RESUMEN El pensamiento ético de José Martí juega un papel fundamental en la formación integral de las nuevas generaciones de profesionales de la salud. Este trabajo analiza varias ideas martianas acerca del humanismo, la solidaridad y la moral, a la luz de las actuales necesidades de la formación de estos profesionales en Cuba. La aplicación creadora de su pensamiento humanista en las nuevas circunstancias históricas demanda un mayor esfuerzo por parte de los educadores (AU).

ABSTRACT The ethical thought of José Marti plays an important role in the professional training of the new generations of health professionals. This work analyses several Jose Marti's ideas on humanism, solidarity and moral values, in the light of the current necessities of these professionals´ training in Cuba. The creative application of his humanist thought in the new historical circumstances demands a greater effort of the educators (AU).

Comunicação de más notícias: percepção de médicos e pacientes / Giving bad news: perception of physicians and patients

OBJETIVO: Comparar a percepção de médicos e pacientes sobre a comunicação de más notícias. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um recorte de duas pesquisas simultâneas e complementares, quantitativas, descritivas, exploratórias e transversais, com coleta de dados primários. RESULTADOS: Dentre os médicos, 71,4% relataram não ter dificuldade para transmitir más notícias; 98% explicavam as consequências e limitações da doença; 99% informavam as complicações e efeitos adversos do tratamento; 100% acreditavam transmitir confiança e 97% valorizavam a opinião do paciente. Por sua vez, 14,6% dos pacientes já receberam uma má notícia, e, para 16,7% deles, o médico não deu explicações sobre a doença; 15,2% não foram informados sobre consequências do tratamento; 12,1% não confiaram no médico e, para 36,4%, o médico não estava preocupado com sua opinião. Em relação aos médicos, 28% comunicavam cinco a dez más notícias por mês; 31% apontavam que conversar sobre início de tratamento paliativo é a tarefa mais complicada; para 43%, ser honesto sem acabar com esperanças era o mais difícil em discutir más notícias. Quanto à sua habilidade de transmiti-las, 54,5% a classificavam como boa, apesar de 62,2% não possuírem curso formal/treinamento específico; 61,2% dos médicos não se sentiam muito confortáveis ao lidar com as emoções dos pacientes, e 54,5% também não tiveram treinamento para lidar com este tipo de situação. CONCLUSÃO: Médicos e pacientes têm percepções diferentes sobre a comunicação de más notícias: os profissionais julgam fazê-la da melhor forma, enquanto os pacientes percebem as deficiências do médico e sofrem suas consequências. (AU)

OBJECTIVE: To compare physicians' and patients' perceptions of bad news delivery. METHODS: This study is a result of two simultaneous and complementary surveys, both of them quantitative, descriptive, exploratory and cross-sectional, performed with primary data collection. RESULTS: Amongst physicians, 71,4% reported no difficulties when delivering bad news; 98% of them explained the consequences and limitations of the disease to their patients; 99% of them informed the treatment complications and adverse effects; 100% of them believed that they conveyed trust, and 97% said they took patients' opinions into account. On the other hand, 14,6% of the patients interviewed had received bad news before and, for 16,7% of those, the physician in charge gave no explanations on the medical condition; 15,2% of the patients were not informed of the consequences of the treatment; 12,1% of them did not trust the physician and, for 36,4% of them, the clinician did not show much interest in their opinion. Regarding the physicians, 28% of them gave bad news 5 to ten times a month; 31% pointed out that talking to patients about palliative care is the most complicated task; for 43%, to be honest without taking patients' hope is the most difficult aspect of bad news delivery. With regards to their own ability to give the news, 54,5% rated it as good, although 62,2% of them did not have any specific training nor took any formal course; 61,2% of the physicians do not feel comfortable when dealing with patients' emotions, and 54,5% did not have training to cope with this type of situation either. CONCLUSION: Physicians and patients have different perceptions of bad news delivery: professionals believe to be doing it properly, whereas patients perceive physicians' deficiencies and suffer their consequences. (AU)

Julio Aristegui Villamil: el médico de los pobres / Julio Aristegui Villamil: the Physician of the Poor

Julio Miguel Aristegui Villamil se gradúa de Doctor en Medicina en la Universidad de La Habana en 1929 y regresa a Cárdenas, su ciudad natal, a ejercer su profesión. Sus ideas progresistas lo afilian a la Izquierda Médica, dentro de la Federación Médica de Cuba. Por el ejercicio desinteresado de su profesión la población le llega a nombrar "el médico de los pobres" (AU).

Julio Miguel Aristegui Villamil graduated as doctor in Medicine in the University of Havana in 1929 and came back to Cardenas, his home city, to practice his profession. His progressive ideas led him to enroll in the Izquierdad Médica (Medical Left translated in English), a group inside the Medical Federation of Cuba. Because of the selfless practice of his profession, the people began to call him "the doctor of the poors" (AU).

A avaliação de estudantes de medicina de uma faculdade de Belo Horizonte, em relação ao processo de ensino-aprendizagem da relação médico-paciente / The evaluation of students of medicine of a college of Belo Horizonte, in relation to the process of teaching-learning of the medical-patient relationship

A relação médico-paciente é um processo especial de interação humana, que é a base da prática clínica. Questões provenientes da aprendizagem dessa relação constituem a parte mais difícil na formação de um médico. Os estudantes possuem ao longo do curso diferentes oportunidades de estabelecer relação com o paciente, construindo habilidades para o desenvolvimento de uma comunicação efetiva que subsidia uma relação médico paciente de qualidade. Nesse trabalho objetivou-se conhecer qual é a percepção dos estudantes de uma faculdade filantrópica de Belo Horizonte sobre seu preparo no processo de ensino-aprendizagem da relação médico-paciente. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória, de caráter qualitativo, financiada pela FAPEMIG. Os entrevistados foram estudantes de medicina, escolhidos aleatoriamente, do quarto, quinto e sexto anos. A análise de dados foi feita com base no discurso de Bardin. Os dados evidenciaram que na visão dos estudantes as disciplinas práticas têm contribuído de forma mais significativa na construção da relação médico paciente. Essa relação tem tido como foco uma abordagem clínica orientada por uma visão de saúde ainda biologicista, que considera a anamnese biológica mais relevante. Essa visão dos estudantes, muitas vezes, faz com que priorizem os aspectos técnicos da consulta em detrimento da atenção integral do paciente. A relação médico-paciente efetiva é a base fundamental para garantir sucesso na identificação de demandas de saúde dos sujeitos. É imprescindível que o estudante aprenda e aperfeiçoe essa habilidade durante sua formação. Conhecer a percepção dos estudantes sobre seu preparo nesse processo coloca-se como estratégia de avaliação da formação que têm recebido. (AU)

The doctor-patient relationship is a special process of human interaction, which is the basis of clinical practice. Issues arising from learning this relationship are the most difficult part of a doctor's training. Throughout the course students have different opportunities to establish relationships with the patient, building skills for the development of effective communication that supports a quality patient medical relationship. This study aimed to know the perception of the students of a philanthropic college in Belo Horizonte about their preparation in the teaching-learning process of the doctor-patient relationship. This is an exploratory research, of a qualitative nature, financed by FAPEMIG. The interviewees were randomly chosen medical students of the fourth, fifth and sixth years. Data analysis was based on Bardin's discourse. The data showed that in the students' view the practical disciplines have contributed in a more significant way in the construction of the patient medical relation. This relationship has focused on a clinical approach guided by a health vision that is still biological, which considers biological anamnesis more relevant. This view of students often makes them prioritize the technical aspects of the consultation to the detriment of comprehensive patient care. The effective doctor-patient relationship is the fundamental basis for ensuring success in identifying the subjects' health demands. It is imperative that the student learn and perfect this skill during their training. Knowing the students' perception about their preparation in this process poses as a strategy to evaluate the training they have received. (AU)

Por una historia de la Bioética / For a history of Bioethics

Hablar de la historia de una disciplina es una tarea difícil, que requiere cierto distanciamiento, sobre todo temporal, para poder tener una visión que permita acoger la totalidad en el discernimiento de los hechos más significativos. Cuando la disciplina misma es breve, es joven, se tiene la tentación de hablar de una historia que pudiera parecer la más completa posible a través de la enumeración cronológica del mayor número de hechos de los cuales se tiene conocimiento. De tal modo se corre el riesgo de perder la totalidad, y con ella su significado. Me parece que sea el caso en nuestra disciplina, la Bioética (AU).

Talking about the history of a discipline is a difficult task, which requires a certain distance, especially temporary, to have a vision to embrace all in discerning the most significant events. When the discipline itself is brief, it is young, it is tempting to speak of a story that might seem the most complete possible through the chronological list of the largest number of facts that are known. Therefore, you run the risk of losing all and with it its meaning. We seem to be the case in our discipline, bioethics (AU).

Apuntes sobre la vida y obra del Dr. Angel Arturo Aballí Arellano / Notes on the life and work of Ph.D. Angel Arturo Aballí Arellano

Angel Arturo Aballí Arellano es considerado como uno de los pediatras más importante de la historia de la medicina cubana, hasta el punto que resulta prácticamente imposible acometer la historia de esta disciplina en nuestro país, sin el estudio profundo de su vida y obra, toda ella dirigida a la defensa de los intereses de la nueva generación, al estado de salud de la niñez, y a luchar por los recursos requeridos para su atención, bienestar y felicidad. Dedicó estudios a las enfermedades diarreicas, a la desnutrición y a la tuberculosis. Para estos fines inauguró el Dispensario Antituberculoso para Niños ¨Calmette¨; el Preventorio ¨Grancher¨ para Lactantes, una sala destinada para niños tuberculosos en el Hospital La Esperanza, y más tarde el Hospital Infantil Antituberculoso, que ostenta hoy su nombre, convertido al triunfo de la Revolución en Hospital Pediátrico General (AU).

Angel Arturo Aballí Arellano is considered one of the most important pediatricians of the Cuban medicine history, up to the point that it is almost impossible to write the history of this discipline in our country without deeply studying his life and work, all of it devoted to the defense of the new generations interests, the childhood health status, and to struggle for obtaining the resources required for their attention, welfare and happiness. He studied diarrheic diseases, malnutrition and tuberculosis. With this aim he inaugurated the Anti-tuberculosis Dispensary for Children Calmette, the Grancvher Preventer for Nursing Infants, a ward for tuberculous children at the hospital La Esperanza and later the Infantile Antituberculous Hospital that today is named after him and after the triumph of the revolution became a General Pediatric Hospital (AU).