Much of Luis’ greatness was his quiet strength to engage, reassure and lead others. Luis was a prolific writer, having published more than 350 articles; more importantly, he helped his colleagues write. He would review manuscripts from trainees and colleagues and polish them for submission to journals. He was a regular reviewer for many scientific journals, served on multiple editorial boards and was most recently editor in chief of Clinical Rheumatology (2013–2019).
Luis was admired not only for his passion for the specialty of rheumatology, but also for his clinical research and teaching. He was a man of untouchable integrity, incredible work ethic, and significant modesty despite the many honors and academic achievements he obtained within and outside his institutions. His humility was woven within the fabric of his white coat, and he was a mentor for so many clinicians. He trained a cohort of more than 60 specialists who now practice in a number of countries—Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Perú, Uruguay, the U.S., among others—and who work with the dedication and integrity he inspired in them.
In 2006, the Peruvian National Academy of Medicine recognized his achievements by appointing him a Corresponding Member of the institution. In 2007, in recognition of his untiring and selfless efforts to assist his patients during Hurricane Katrina, the ACR bestowed on him the prestigious Paulding Phelps Service Award. A year later, he became a Master of the ACR. Other career achievements include: Master of the American College of Physicians (2010) and chair of the International League of Associations of Rheumatology (2010–2012).
He was married for more than 50 years to Carmen Espinoza, MD, a dermatopathologist. He is also survived by his daughter Gabriela, an ophthalmologist, his son Luis, an orthopedic surgeon, and five grandchildren.
His son, Luis, shared his father’s dedication to his role as husband, father and grandfather in these words, “As serious and stoic as my father was, you would see him light up with a tremendous smile anytime he was around his grandchildren. It was in those moments that I truly felt him most at ease and blissful.”
Luis’ untimely departure will be hard on many of us, but his values, his integrity and his teachings will stay with us as inspiration from his exemplary life.
Joan M. Von Feldt, MD, MSEd, is professor of medicine, emeritus, at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
Graciela S. Alarcón, MD, MPH, MACR, is the Jane Knight Lowe Chair of Medicine in Rheumatology, emeritus, at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and a professor of medicine, emeritus, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú.
