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The renowned Cuban orthopedic surgeon and university professor René Roberto Rubinos Ruíz passed away last Sunday in Havana, as reported by the Cira García Central Clinic, where he worked for over two decades and left a profound professional and human legacy.
“The news is of the kind that one never wishes to share. The pain is deep and weighs heavily on the entire team of our Clinic. This afternoon, Dr. René Roberto Rubinos Ruíz has passed away, a teacher of teachers, an authority in Cuban Orthopedics,” expressed the medical institution in a farewell message published on social media.
Rubinos, according to his curriculum vitae, was one of the most prominent orthopedic surgeons in the country, with over half a century of experience in the healthcare system.
Graduated from the University of Havana in 1972, he earned a second degree in the specialty of Orthopedics and Traumatology in 1988, and served as an auxiliary professor in the same field at that higher institution.
During his extensive career, he worked at leading institutions such as the "Frank País" Orthopedic Hospital and the "Hermanos Ameijeiras" Hospital, where he was the head of the Spinal Surgery department.
In addition, he represented Cuba on medical missions in Tanzania and Yemen, and served as an international consultant in Argentina and Spain.
His experience in spine and hip surgery, with more than 4,000 patients operated on, has made him one of the leading authorities in his field.
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 has participated in over 200 national and international scientific events in countries such as the United States, France, Mexico, Spain, Germany, and Argentina.
In 2019, the Cira García Central Clinic paid tribute to him on their website as he retired after more than 50 years of service.
In that recognition, the institution emphasized his role in the development of spinal surgery in Cuba, his professional rigor, and his demanding nature, which made him a "teacher of teachers" for several generations of specialists.
"Difficult figure, strong and upright in character, as one who knows what they know can be. If those of us who are not from his world of science learned so much from him, how much will his students miss him. Thank you very much, Maestro," concluded the heartfelt farewell message published by the Havana clinic.
In 2025, the Cuban healthcare sector has faced multiple losses of professionals both within and outside the island.
Among them, the passing of Dr. Asiel Pérez Rocillo, a specialist in Family Medicine who died suddenly in Mexico, has caused shock among colleagues and officials, while arrangements were being made for the repatriation of his body and support was provided to his family.
Pérez was part of the contingent of over 3,000 health professionals sent abroad by the Cuban regime. His death was confirmed by the Cuban embassy in that country.
In Santa Clara, the medical community bid farewell to intensivist Armando Caballero López, one of the most influential figures in the development of intensive care in Cuba.
The news of his passing was announced in May, sparking a mass tribute that highlighted his dedication, professional ethics, and his legacy as an educator of generations of doctors.
The “Arnaldo Milián Castro” Clinical Surgical Hospital and provincial authorities led the tribute, while the people of Villa Clara expressed their respect in an event that combined solemnity and gratitude.
A few days ago, the city of Baracoa mourned the death of Doctor Orlaida Matos Urgellés, who passed away due to a cerebrovascular condition.
Her professional dedication, especially at the local municipal hospital, was remembered by colleagues and patients who described her as a caring and committed physician.
Another case that shook the medical community was that of Leandro Elías Rodríguez, a young Cuban professional who died in a tragic traffic accident while working in Ecuador.
At just 37 years old, he worked as an ultrasound technician and served in several locations in the province of Esmeraldas. His passing left local residents and the Cuban community abroad in shock, as reflected in the tribute he received at the funeral home in Quinindé.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Legacy of Dr. René Roberto Rubinos Ruíz
Who was Dr. René Roberto Rubinos Ruiz?
Dr. René Roberto Rubinos Ruíz was an eminent Cuban orthopedic surgeon with over fifty years of experience in the healthcare system, recognized for his work in spine and hip surgery. He graduated from the University of Havana in 1972 and achieved the II degree in the specialty of Orthopedics and Traumatology in 1988. He served as an assistant professor at the University of Havana and worked in renowned institutions such as the "Frank País" Orthopedic Hospital and the "Hermanos Ameijeiras" Hospital.
What was Dr. Rubinos' impact on Cuban orthopedics?
Dr. Rubinos was an authority in Cuban orthopedics, distinguished by his experience in spinal and hip surgery with over 4,000 patients operated on. His role in the development of spinal surgery in Cuba was fundamental, and his professional rigor and demanding character earned him the title of "teacher of teachers" for several generations of specialists. Additionally, he participated in more than 200 national and international scientific events, representing Cuba on various occasions.
What institutions and societies recognized Dr. Rubinos?
Dr. Rubinos was a member of multiple medical societies, including the Cuban Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology, the International Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (SICOT), and the Cuban Society of Neurology and Neurosurgery. He was also honored by the Cira García Central Clinic upon his retirement in 2019, after more than 50 years of practice, acknowledging his contribution to the Cuban healthcare system.
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