A History of the Cuban Society of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation

Abstract

Introduction: Since the introduction of anesthesia in Cuba, the Spanish colony back then experienced progressive advances. Cuban doctors began to associate themselves by specialties, and the first doctors dedicated to the anesthesiological practice were integrated.

Objective: To investigate the scientific association of anesthesiologists in Cuba and describe the activities carried out by them in their first decade of work.

Method: A documentary and bibliographic study was carried out about the date and circumstances in which the scientific association of Cuban anesthesiologists began. The documentation of the Cuban Society of Anesthesiology was reviewed, as well as the authors' private files. The historical-logical and chronological method was used.

Development: It was found that, after several months of activity of a Management Committee, the National Society of Anesthesiology was founded. In its first decade, the new Society engaged in union struggles to improve the specialty and working conditions of its members. Outstanding physicians in that period gave their contribution to the progress of anesthesiology in republican Cuba, in addition to ensuring that their Society be integrated into the organizations and events of the specialty, among which being the founder of the World Federation of Anesthesiology Societies is an outstanding fact.

Conclusions: The National Society of Anesthesiology was founded on September 12, 1950. In its first decade, it developed constant work for the development of the specialty and was integrated into regional and world anesthesiology organizations.