Francisco Rojas Villegas

Francisco Rojas Villegas (14 June 1909 – 18 December 1993) was a Chilean physician, academic, researcher, and politician. He served as a Minister of State — in the portfolio of Public Health — during the administration of President Jorge Alessandri between 1963 and 1964.

Family and education Rojas was born in Santiago on 14 June 1909, the son of Francisco Rojas Huneeus and Elena Villegas. He completed his primary and secondary education at the German Lyceum of Santiago, graduating in 1928. He continued his higher studies at the University of Chile School of Medicine, qualifying as a medical doctor in 1936.

He married María Patricia Palma Carrasco in his birthplace on 4 December 1937, with whom he had two children.

Professional career In his professional career, Rojas practiced as a cardiologist, served as assistant in the department of Professor Rodolfo Armas Cruz, and held the position of head of the cardiology service of the National Medical Service for Employees. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of cardiac surgery for mitral stenosis and certain adult congenital heart diseases, as well as the founder of the first coronary care unit in Chile. He was also among the founders and leaders of the Cardiology Foundation.

He became a full member of the Academy of Sciences in 1985. Two years later, he was named Master of Chilean Medicine, and two years thereafter, Master of Chilean Cardiology.

In 1991, he was awarded the title of professor emeritus of the University of Chile, in recognition of his extensive and prolific work as a lecturer and researcher in cardiac surgery at the School of Medicine of that institution.

Political career Politically independent, on 26 September 1963 he was appointed by President Jorge Alessandri as Minister of Public Health, assuming office as the successor to Benjamín Cid. He held the post until the end of the administration on 3 November 1964.

Among other activities, he was a member of the Country Club and the Automóvil Club of Chile. He died in Santiago on 18 December 1993 after a long illness, aged 84.

Published works He authored the following works:

Contribution to the Study of Cardiac Metabolism, 1936. Venous Ligation in the Prevention of Pulmonary Embolism, 1949. Cardiology for the General Practitioner, 1977.