René Favaloro and his heartbreaking farewells: "I can not change, I prefer to disappear"

Today & # 39; hui
cardiac surgeon René Favaloro was 96, but his suicide on July 29, 2000 moved public opinion and revealed a not very transparent modality, inscribed in the field of surgeries of the entire national health system.

Favaloro, on several occasions, had exposed the worrisome financial situation of his foundation, and for this reason he had addressed himself to the authorities of the government of the time, and even
He met President Fernando De la Rúa.

Favaloro's main concern was the system of "corruption" that he denounced and in which he refused to take part.

The famous doctor admitted that the project of his Foundation had failed and began to crack. He also said that in his professional entourage, some colleagues had recommended him to enter this system, the only way to save the medical center.

"I can not change, I prefer to disappear," writes Favaloro, pointing out that his beliefs prevented him from yielding to the mechanism in force.

The complete letter of René Favaloro:

July 29-2000 – 2.30 pm

If you read my letter of resignation at the Cleveland Clinic, it is clear that my return to Argentina (having gained a special place in cardiovascular surgery) was due to my eternal commitment to my country. I have never lost my roots. I went back to work in teaching, research and medical badistance. The first stage of the Guemes sanatorium showed that we had immediately organized a residency in cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, in addition to postgraduate courses at all levels. We also attached importance to clinical research in which most of our group members participated. In the badistance, we ask from the outset a number of beds for indigents. Thus, hundreds of patients were operated free of charge.

"The majority of our patients came from social work, the sanatorium had a contract with the most important at that time." The relationship with the sanatorium was very clear: the fees, whatever their origin, were ours; hospitalization, the sanatorium (probably the biggest part) .With the fees, we paid the residences and the secretaries and our tickets were distributed among the doctors.I never allowed to touch a single weight that We did not agree that, although the directors badured that there would be no return, I knew that there were, and from time to time, at the request of its director, he greeted the service unionists, who appreciated our work.this was our only contact.

In the mid-1970s, we started to organize the Foundation. With the help of Sedra, we created the fundamental research department that gave us so much satisfaction and then the construction of the Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery.

When I took office, I wrote the 10 commandments that had to be kept to the letter, based on the ethical guidelines that always accompanied me. The quality of our work, based on the embedded technology as well as the work of the selected professionals, meant that we did not lack work, but that we had to fight continuously against the dominant corruption in the field of medicine (part of the huge corruption that has contaminated our country the limitless levels of any kind). We systematically refused to violate ethical rules. As a result, we never gave a single weight back. Thus, large-scale social projects did not send or send their patients to the Institute.

What I should tell from countless interviews with service unionists!

Manga of corrupt people who live at the expense of the workers and are fundamentally seated with social services money corresponding to medical care.

The same goes for PAMI. This can be certified by doctors in my country who, to survive, must agree to participate in the system set up throughout the country. There is only one example: the PAMI has an old debt of 1,900,000 pesos (I believe since 1994 or 1995); We would have charged in 48 hours if we had accepted the returns that were requested (as it makes sense, not directly with me).

If we had accepted the conditions that prevailed because of the corruption of the system (which has increased in recent years), we should have 100 extra beds … We would not provide to meet all the demand.

Who wants to deny that everything that is true recognizes the one who governs in Argentina, fundamental principle of the free choice of the doctor, which would lead to an easy transition.

The same goes for private patients (including those on prepaid drugs). The doctor who sends these patients to the famous ana-ana, knows, expects, receives a juicy participation from the surgeon.

Many years ago, I have to hear that Favaloro does not work anymore! Where does this infundium come from? Very simple: the patient is studied. In conclusion, your cardiologist tells you that you should be operated on. The patient accepts and expresses his wishes for me to make it work. "But how, you do not know that Favaloro has not worked for a long time?" "I will recommend a surgeon of great value, do not worry". The surgeon "of real value", in addition to his professional capacity, will return to the principal cardiologist 50% of the fees!

Many of these patients came to my office despite the "indications" from their cardiologist. "Doctor, are you still working? and again I have to explain that yes, I always do it with the same enthusiasm and responsibility as always. Many of these cardiologists enjoy national and international prestige. They attend the conferences of the American College or the American Heart and then, yes, they offer me all kinds of congratulations and hugs every time I have to exhibit a "conference". ;importance. That happened when Paul D. White's Dallas conference was embraced by dozens of Argentine cardiologists, some with tears in their eyes. But here they re-enter the "system" and money is what interests them the most.

Corruption has reached levels I would never have thought of witnessing. Prestigious institutions such as the Cardiovascular Institute of Buenos Aires, staffed by excellent health professionals, send well-trained staff who visit cardiologists in their offices. Here, they explain in detail the return mechanisms and percentages that will be received not only by surgery, non-invasive diagnostic methods (Holter echo, camera, etc.), catheterization, angioplasty, etc. etc., are included.

This is not the only institution. The Foundation's doctors showed the leaves that leave them with a very good explanation. Once the patient is operated on, the same qualified staff will visit the cardiologist again, explain in detail "the economic operation" and hand in the corresponding envelope !.

The current situation of the Foundation is exasperating: millions of pesos must be charged for the work done, including high-risk patients that we can not refuse. It is easy to say "no beds available". Our medical oath prevents it.

These patients require a high cost rarely recognized by social works. Added to this are debts on all sides, which correspond to the construction and equipment of the ICYCC, suppliers, the DGI, banks, doctors with arrears of several months. All our projects fail and more and more everything is complicated.

In the United States, large medical institutions can perform their care, teaching and research for the donations they receive. The top five faculties of medicine each receive more than $ 100 million! Here, not even dreaming.

I took steps at the IDB that helped us in the initial phase and then published in several of his publications at our institute as one of his achievements !. I sent four letters to Enrique Iglesias, asking for help (they throw so much money overboard in this Latin America!) I'm still waiting for an answer. It manages billions of dollars, but for an institution that has trained hundreds of doctors scattered throughout our country and throughout Latin America, no answer is given. How is the social value of our teaching task measured?

Without a doubt, being honest in this corrupt society has a price. In the short or long term, they charge you.

Most of the time, I feel lonely. In this letter of resignation from the clinic, he told Dr. Effen that he knew in advance that he was going to have to fight and reminded him that Don Quixote was Spanish! Without a doubt, the fight has been very uneven.

The Foundation's project is weakening and starting to crack. We had several meetings. My closest badociates, some of whom are from our famous National College in La Plata, tell me that in order to save the Foundation, we must adhere to the "system". Yes back, yes to ana-ana.

"We are going to put people to organize everything." There are & # 39; specialists & # 39; who know how to do it. & # 39; You must withdraw. We will clarify that you do not know anything, that you are not aware. & # 39; & # 39; You must understand if you want to save the Foundation & # 39; Who will believe that I am not aware!

At this time and age, it is extremely difficult to finish with the ethical principles that I have received from my parents, teachers and teachers. I can not change, I prefer to disappear.

Joaquín V. González wrote the lesson of optimism that was given to us when he received us: "I have not been defeated by anyone". I can not say the same thing. I've been defeated by this corrupt society that controls everything.

I'm tired of receiving tributes and praise internationally. A few days ago, I was included in the milestone group of millennium legends in cardiovascular surgery. Last year, I had to participate in several countries, from Sweden to India, always listening to the same thing. & # 39; The legend, the legend! & # 39;

The capital sin that I have committed, here in my country, has perhaps always been to express my feelings, my critics, I insist, in this society of privileges, where some enjoy themselves to the point of have enough, while most live in misery and poverty. despair All of this is not forgiven, on the contrary, it is punished. It comforts me to have treated my patients without distinction of any kind. My collaborators know my penchant for the poor, who comes from my distant years to Jacinto Arauz.

I'm tired of fighting and fighting, galloping against the wind, as Don Ata said. I can not change.

This has not been an easy decision but it has been meditated. Do not talk about weakness or courage. The surgeon lives with death, is his inseparable companion. The surgeon lives with death, with her I go hand in hand. I just hope you do not make this act a comedy. I ask journalism to have some pity.

I am calm. Once at a university event in the United States, I was introduced as a good man who remains a rural doctor. Forgive me, but I think that's true. I hope you remember me like that.

These days, I sent desperate letters to national, provincial and commercial entities without receiving any response.

At the Foundation, a crisis committee started to act with external advice. Yesterday, the first layoffs began. A few, few have been faithful and dedicated employees. Monday could not cope.

To my family in particular to my beloved nephews, my collaborators, my friends, remember that I have reached the age of 77 years. Do not let go, you have the obligation to continue to fight at least until you reach the same age, which is not small.

Once again, I reiterate the obligation to incinerate immediately without wasting time and to throw my ashes in the mountains near Jacinto Arauz, there in La Pampa.

It is strictly forbidden to celebrate religious or civil ceremonies.

A hug to everyone.

René Favaloro

IN ADDITION