Francisco Rojas Villegas
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Francisco Rojas Villegas | |
|---|---|
| Minister of Health | |
| In office 26 September 1963 – 3 November 1964 | |
| President | Jorge Alessandri |
| Preceded by | Benjamín Cid |
| Succeeded by | Ramón Valdivieso |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 14 June 1909 |
| Died | 18 December 1993 (aged 84) |
| Spouse | María Palma Carrasco |
| Children | Two |
| Alma mater | University of Chile |
| Profession | Physician |
Francisco Rojas Villegas (14 June 1909 – 18 December 1993) was a Chilean physician, academic, researcher, and politician. He served as a Minister of State — in the portfolio of Public Health — during the administration of President Jorge Alessandri between 1963 and 1964.[1][2]
Rojas was born in Santiago on 14 June 1909, the son of Francisco Rojas Huneeus and Elena Villegas. He completed his primary and secondary education at the German Lyceum of Santiago, graduating in 1928.[3] He continued his higher studies at the University of Chile School of Medicine, qualifying as a medical doctor in 1936.[1][3]
He married María Patricia Palma Carrasco in his birthplace on 4 December 1937, with whom he had two children.[3]
Professional career
In his professional career, Rojas practiced as a cardiologist, served as assistant in the department of Professor Rodolfo Armas Cruz, and held the position of head of the cardiology service of the National Medical Service for Employees.[3] He is regarded as one of the pioneers of cardiac surgery for mitral stenosis and certain adult congenital heart diseases, as well as the founder of the first coronary care unit in Chile. He was also among the founders and leaders of the Cardiology Foundation.[1]
He became a full member of the Academy of Sciences in 1985. Two years later, he was named Master of Chilean Medicine, and two years thereafter, Master of Chilean Cardiology.[1]
In 1991, he was awarded the title of professor emeritus of the University of Chile, in recognition of his extensive and prolific work as a lecturer and researcher in cardiac surgery at the School of Medicine of that institution.[1][3]