VIDEO: Entrevista Dr. Mario R. García Palmieri en Telenoticias

Mario Rubén García Palmieri, MD, M.A.C.C.

Born in the town of Adjuntas, Puerto Rico (PR) Dr. Mario Ruben García Palmieri obtained his bachelor in science (Magna Cum Laude) in the University of Puerto Rico and his MD in the University of Maryland. At present, Dr. García is Distinguished and Emeritus Professor and Head of the Section of Cardiology of the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. He has trained more than 100 cardiologists in Puerto Rico. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology.

Dr. García is a member of more than 20 professional societies including many with restricted admission such as the Alpha Omega Alpha, Association of University Cardiologists, and the Association of American Physicians. He has been a major lecturer in scientific programs in 33 countries, has been designated Honorary Member in 14 national cardiological societies, and has been decorated by the governments of the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Spain.

Locally in Puerto Rico, Dr. García has presided many Societies such as: the Puerto Rican Society of Cardiology, the PR Medical Association, and the PR ACC chapter in 1957. He served as the Secretary of Health in 1966, and in many commissions and committees with the PR government. Actively he still participates in the ACC chapter executive committee. He has also contributed to the US government as member in NIH committees and United States Presidential commissions. Internationally he has presided over the International Society and Federation of Cardiology and on two occasions the Interamerican Society of Cardiology.

Dr. Garcia has published 178 medicine articles, 6 books, and more than 80 newspapers columns geared to orient the people concerning medical problems. He holds Fellowships in the Royal Society of Health, the American College of Chest Physicians, the European Society of Cardiology, and the American Heart Association. He was granted many honors which include the title of Master of the College of Physicians and the Honor and Gold Key Award for most distinguished alumnus in the University of Maryland. The University of Puerto Rico has established the Mario Garcia Palmieri endowed chair since 1996 and the main lecture of the Interamerican Congress of Cardiology held every two years bears his name. In 1989 the ACC bestowed him with the Distinguished Service Award.

Besides his professional endeavors Dr. García Palmieri has been an avid sponsor of master craftsmen in Puerto Rico. He assembles bonsais and has one of the most complete collections of photographs of cardiologists all over the world.

Dr. Garcia Palmieri is a man of many interests and talents: a gifted clinician, an articulated teacher, a productive clinical investigator, a supporter of educational activities for residents in cardiology, a supporter of Puerto Rican culture, an example of excellence in public service and above all a teacher of teachers. All these contributions in a life dedicated to serve his country, physicians, fellow workers and students are so outstanding that he constitutes a role model to us in our College.