Dr. René Roberto Rubinos Ruíz, a distinguished Cuban orthopedic surgeon and esteemed university professor, passed away last Sunday in Havana. The Central Cira García Clinic, where he dedicated over two decades of service, announced his passing, emphasizing the profound impact he left both professionally and personally. "This is news one never wishes to deliver. The sorrow is deep, and our clinic is in mourning. This afternoon, we lost Dr. René Roberto Rubinos Ruíz, a mentor of mentors and a leading figure in Cuban orthopedics," stated the clinic in a heartfelt farewell message shared on social media.
According to his extensive resume, Rubinos was one of the most prominent orthopedic specialists in Cuba, boasting a career that spanned over 50 years within the nation's healthcare system. He graduated from the University of Havana in 1972, achieved his second degree in Orthopedics and Traumatology in 1988, and served as an associate professor in the same field at the university.
Throughout his illustrious career, he worked at renowned institutions such as the "Frank País" Orthopedic Hospital and the "Hermanos Ameijeiras" Hospital, where he led the Spine Surgery section. His expertise extended beyond Cuba, as he represented the country on medical missions in Tanzania and Yemen and served as an international consultant in Argentina and Spain. His remarkable experience in spine and hip surgeries, with over 4,000 patients operated on, established him as an authority in his field.
Legacy of a Medical Luminary
A member of the Cuban Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology, the International Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (SICOT), and the Cuban Society of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Rubinos Ruiz participated in more than 200 scientific events worldwide, including in the United States, France, Mexico, Spain, Germany, and Argentina. In 2019, upon his retirement after more than five decades of practice, the Central Cira García Clinic honored him on their website, highlighting his significant contributions to spinal surgery in Cuba, his professional rigor, and his demanding nature that earned him the title "professor of professors" for multiple generations of specialists.
The emotional farewell message from the Havana clinic described him as a "difficult, strong, and upright character, as someone with profound knowledge can be. If those outside his scientific realm learned so much from him, imagine how much his disciples will miss him. Thank you greatly, Master."
Recent Losses in Cuba's Medical Community
In 2025, Cuba's healthcare sector has endured numerous losses of professionals both on and off the island. Among these, the sudden death of Dr. Asiel Pérez Rocillo, a family medicine specialist, in Mexico has shocked colleagues and officials. Efforts are underway to repatriate his body and provide support to his family. Pérez was part of the contingent of over 3,000 healthcare professionals deployed by the Cuban regime abroad. His death was confirmed by the Cuban embassy in Mexico.
In Santa Clara, the medical community bid farewell to intensivist Armando Caballero López, a pivotal figure in the development of intensive care in Cuba. News of his passing in May sparked a large-scale tribute, highlighting his dedication, professional ethics, and his legacy as an educator to generations of doctors. The "Arnaldo Milián Castro" Clinical-Surgical Hospital and provincial authorities led the commemoration, while the people of Villa Clara showed their respect in a ceremony marked by solemnity and gratitude.
Recently, the city of Baracoa mourned the passing of Dr. Orlaida Matos Urgellés, who succumbed to a cerebrovascular condition. Her professional dedication, particularly at the local municipal hospital, was remembered by colleagues and patients who described her as a close and committed doctor.
Another tragic loss that shook the medical community was the death of Leandro Elías Rodríguez, a young Cuban professional who died in a traffic accident while working in Ecuador. At just 37, he served as an ultrasound technician attending various localities in the Esmeraldas province. His untimely passing left local residents and the Cuban community abroad deeply saddened, as reflected in the tribute he received at the Quinindé funeral home.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Medical Professionals
Who was Dr. René Roberto Rubinos Ruíz?
Dr. René Roberto Rubinos Ruíz was a distinguished Cuban orthopedic surgeon and university professor known for his extensive contributions to spine and hip surgery, with a career spanning over 50 years.
What was Dr. Rubinos' impact on the Cuban healthcare system?
Dr. Rubinos significantly advanced the field of spinal surgery in Cuba and served as a mentor to generations of orthopedic specialists, earning him the title "professor of professors."
What recent losses has the Cuban medical community faced?
The Cuban medical community has recently mourned the losses of Dr. Asiel Pérez Rocillo, Dr. Armando Caballero López, Dr. Orlaida Matos Urgellés, and Leandro Elías Rodríguez, all of whom had significant impacts in their respective fields.