Roberto F. Fortuño, MD, FACS
(August 11, 1927 - July 3, 2020)
It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our Past President Dr. Roberto Fortuño on July 3, 2020.
He was born on August 11, 1927. He completed his premedical education at the University of Puerto Rico and obtained his doctorate in medicine at the University of Chicago in 1950.
Shortly after beginning his postgraduate urological training at the San Juan City Hospital, he was called to serve as 1st Lieutenant in the US Army Medical Corps during the Korean conflict between 1952-1954.
For his service and bravery, he was named an Honorary 1st Lieutenant of the Greek Expeditionary Forces, awarded the US Army Combat Medical Badge, and the Korean Service Medal with Three Battle Stars.
After his return to Puerto Rico and completing his urological training in 1957, Dr. Fortuño joined the Division of Urology at the University of Puerto Rico developing his special interest in Pediatric Urology and rising to the rank of full Professor by 1977.
Dr. Fortuño served as Chief of Urology of the San Juan City Hospital between 1968-1983 and Chief of the Urology Section at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine between 1977-1986, where he guided the training of most of the urologists in practice today.
During his illustrious career, Dr. Fortuño served as President of the Puerto Rico Urological Association twice on 1961 and 1971, Puerto Rico Delegate for to the SIU for 27 years, President of the Puerto Rico Chapter of the American College of Surgeons, Governor at large for PR at the American College of Surgeons for 6 years, President of the Arrangements Committee of the Annual meeting of the Southeastern Section of the American Urological Association and the 19th Congress of the Confederación Americana de Urología, President of the Surgeons Chapter of the Puerto Rico College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Senator at the Legislative Medical Senate. He has been honored with a lecture is his name at our association since the year 1999.
More than anything else, Dr. Roberto Fortuño has been an excellent teacher, role model, friend, and colleague. We celebrate his life and achievements.
