(L-R) Abraham Verghese, M.D., the Marvin Forland Distinguished Professor of Medical Ethics; Joaquin G. Cigarroa Jr., M.D.; and Mrs. Barbara Cigarroa
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Remarkable internist Joaquin G. Cigarroa Jr., M.D., joined Abraham Verghese, M.D., Marvin Forland Distinguished Professor of Medical Ethics, on April 4 for an on-stage conversation concerning internal medicine and the vital role of the internist. Dr. Cigarroa shared his insights from a long career in internal medicine, a specialty that continues to delight and challenge him.

Drs. Cigarroa and Verghese welcomed about 400 faculty, staff and students from the Health Science Center, as well as physicians, health professionals, community members, teachers and students of all ages. The conversation was informative, enlightening and inspirational.

Dr. Cigarroa describes his decision to practice internal medicine while on stage with Dr. Verghese.

Dr. Cigarroa said selecting a medical specialty was “most difficult.” He wanted to be a neurosurgeon, an endocrinologist and a hematologist at various times. “So I took a rotating internship, and in that additional year, I discovered I like all of medicine. The internal medicine physician is the one who brings everything together. He is the conductor of a symphony of physicians.” Dr. Cigarroa has enjoyed conducting that symphony for 50 years.

He said the other specialties are more focused and don’t dwell on the whole being of a person. “I really think the most important part of understanding the person is the history, when he starts telling you about his life. The physical exam is likewise important. In the last 50 years I have seen technological advances such as the calculator, transplants and the MRI. I think technology is remarkable to the extent it [assists a physician’s own] knowledge.”

The Health Science Center was proud to inaugurate the series with Dr. Cigarroa. In 1947 he graduated cum laude from Harvard Medical School and completed an internal medicine residency at Boston City Hospital and Harvard Medical School. He later returned to his hometown of Laredo, where he continued his medical service and raised 10 children, five of whom have chosen medical careers, including Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., president of the Health Science Center.

“The Arts in the Art of Medicine” is a series celebrating the call to service and the creative impulse. The conversation, led by Dr. Verghese, marks the first event in a series of unique on-stage conversations, exhibits and events designed to illuminate the creative side of medicine and to emphasize the importance of service and a calling to medicine.