PROFESSOR IVO PITANGUY
Back in Brazil – The creation of the 1º Service of Hand Surgery of the South America
After his stay in America , Pitanguy felt the necessity of practicing the acquired experience. Despite all of the economical and structural difficulties of Brazil , he acted as head of the surgery department at the 19ª infirmary of the Santa Casa General Hospital – the first service of hand surgery in South America (1949). He gave dignity and hope to many poor patients and victims of deformities.
The great masters
One year later, invited by Marc Iselin – one of the pioneers of the hand surgery and a reference in the assistance of mutilated in the Second World War – Pitanguy went to Paris as a visiting fellow (1950 -1951). He also attended the plastic surgery services of Professor C. Dufourmentel, R. Mouly and Professor Paul Tessier, in Surèsnes. While still in Europe, through a scholarship granted by the British Council, Pitanguy had the opportunity to improve and increase his form as a plastic surgeon at the hands of two plastic surgeon masters, Sir Harold Gillies and Sir Archibald McIndoe.
One of the pioneers
When he returned to Brazil, Pitanguy observed that the practice of plastic surgery was still weak in the country. He worked tirelessly to transform the specialization and help it become more recognized and respected, working as head of the Burn and Reconstructive Service of Souza Aguiar Hospital (1952-1955). In 1954, he was nominated as the head of the Plastic Surgery Service of the Santa Casa General Hospital, still a part of the 19ª infirmary. Five years later, because of the big demand of the service, Santa Casa conceded the space of the 8ª infirmary to increase the service.
Pitanguy´s School
Determined to share his knowledge and experience with young colleagues interested in new plastic surgery techniques, in 1960 Professor Pitanguy founded a post-graduation course in plastic surgery at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. The course has a theoretic-practical program and it is affiliated with another internationally renowned educational institution, the Carlos Chagas Institute of Post Graduation Medical School. The first class graduated in 1962. The course is in the 45th class and has graduated more than 500 surgeons from over 40 countries “I always liked to exchange experiences with others – it is a mission, which I still pursue. To teach and to create a school is an essential responsibility for those who believe in having knowledge to share - nothing is more rewarding than transmit it,” says Pitanguy.
The birth of the 38th infirmary and the entrance in the National Academy of Medicine
In 1960 Dr. Pitanguy created the 38th infirmary. Before that time it was known as the 8th infirmary. The ward was opened with an official celebration with the presence of the President Juscelino Kubitschek and the first lady Sarah Kubitschek. Jucelino was always aware of the work developed by Pitanguy and honored him when he became a member of the National Academy of Medicine (photo). The solemnity represented a great mark, as Plastic Surgery became for the first time, represented at the National Academy of Medicine.
A decisive episode
The fire that took place at the Grand North-American Circus of Niterói in December of 1961, was decisive for Pitanguy´s career. It as the biggest indoor fire registered in the world with 2,500 victims and 500 deaths – mostly children. Pitanguy and his volunteer staff dedicated their time to treat the burn victims. The reconstructive surgery merged with aesthetic surgery, which was at that time considered less important. Due to his initiative and the obtained results, Pitanguy became recognized around the world. “This tragedy proved the importance of our specialty”.
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Back in Brazil – The creation of the 1º Service of Hand Surgery of the South America
After his stay in America , Pitanguy felt the necessity of practicing the acquired experience. Despite all of the economical and structural difficulties of Brazil , he acted as head of the surgery department at the 19ª infirmary of the Santa Casa General Hospital – the first service of hand surgery in South America (1949). He gave dignity and hope to many poor patients and victims of deformities.
The great masters
 |
| Ivo Pitanguy and Sir Harold Gillies |
One of the pioneers
When he returned to Brazil, Pitanguy observed that the practice of plastic surgery was still weak in the country. He worked tirelessly to transform the specialization and help it become more recognized and respected, working as head of the Burn and Reconstructive Service of Souza Aguiar Hospital (1952-1955). In 1954, he was nominated as the head of the Plastic Surgery Service of the Santa Casa General Hospital, still a part of the 19ª infirmary. Five years later, because of the big demand of the service, Santa Casa conceded the space of the 8ª infirmary to increase the service.
Pitanguy´s School
 |
Ivo Pitanguy with his students at the pos-graduate course |
The birth of the 38th infirmary and the entrance in the National Academy of Medicine
 |
| Ivo Pitanguy and former Brazilian president Juscelino Kubitschek |
A decisive episode
The fire that took place at the Grand North-American Circus of Niterói in December of 1961, was decisive for Pitanguy´s career. It as the biggest indoor fire registered in the world with 2,500 victims and 500 deaths – mostly children. Pitanguy and his volunteer staff dedicated their time to treat the burn victims. The reconstructive surgery merged with aesthetic surgery, which was at that time considered less important. Due to his initiative and the obtained results, Pitanguy became recognized around the world. “This tragedy proved the importance of our specialty”.
Next Page >>