National Doctor's Day Venezuela, March 10, 2024

On National Doctor's Day in Venezuela, March 10th, we celebrate the invaluable contributions of Venezuelan medical professionals who have dedicated their lives to saving lives under very difficult conditions. This day honors Dr. José María Vargas, a distinguished Venezuelan physician and scientist, who was elected President of Venezuela in 1835. His legacy in medicine and surgery laid the foundation for future generations, emphasizing the importance of medical ethics and education. Venezuelan doctors have made significant contributions to global medicine. A notable Venezuelan contribution to medicine is the work of Dr. Baruj Benacerraf, a Venezuelan-American immunologist. He discovered the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes, which play a crucial role in the immune system's ability to differentiate between self and non-self. This discovery has had profound implications for organ transplantation, autoimmune disease treatment, and vaccine development. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1980. Sara Bendahan was the 1st Venezuelan lady to graduate as Medical Doctor in 1939. Venezuela has approximately 16.6 physicians per 10,000 people​. The medical sector faces severe challenges due to the ongoing political and economic crisis. Hospitals across the country are grappling with shortages of staff, drugs, supplies, and basic services. This is impacting the quality and accessibility of medical care for the Venezuelan population​. Art&Text🫶ChatGPT.