“My father was an excellent doctor, he was the chief physician of the Texas Petroleum Company in Colombia, so I had a good example. However, studying at that time was terrible. People told me that there were ugly, pretty women and those who were studying medicine, that this was a career for men. I remember that at the university there were 25 women among 355 students, ”recalled Gómez de Restrepo, to which her oldest daughter added.
“I also managed to experience discrimination against women a bit. In my time we were 85 students and only 20 could be women, a number greater than that was not allowed. When I graduated things changed, but it was difficult, ”said María Elena Restrepo, a specialist in internal medicine, geriatrics and medical oncology.
Legacy and vocation
Medicine is practiced by vocation, as stated by the 5 five children of Gómez de Restrepo, who work in different hospital facilities in South Florida.
“We never feel compelled to follow in the footsteps of our parents, it was born in a genuine way. In fact, they sent us to vocational guidance courses to be sure of what career we wanted to study, “said the youngest son, dr. Andrés Restrepo, specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
And as the saying goes, what is inherited is not stolen, and Mrs. Elena’s grandchildren also want to be doctors, even one of them has already been admitted to Saint Louis University, Missouri.
“The son of María Clara, my daughter, a specialist in internal medicine and obesity, also wants to be a doctor and begins her career very soon. It is very exciting because Maria Clara also married a doctor. On the other hand, the wife of Juan Carlos – my son specialized in anesthesiology and intensive care – is a radiologist. It is a legacy that continues in the family without our having proposed it to ourselves, ”said Doña Elena.
Making history in the US
The Restrepo Gómez family works in different medical centers in South Florida, contributing the best of their knowledge in direct care with patients and through research. All assure that they yearn to honor not only the sacrifice of their parents, but also to exalt the name of Latinos who come to this country seeking to contribute to development and improve the quality of life of people.
“Our parents were always aware of all the things we needed, they were visionaries and they worked tirelessly to give us all the opportunities that were within their reach in order to become better personals and professionals. We all try to honor that work and deliver it, performing our profession to the best of our ability, and contributing so that this country grows and is better for everyone, ”said dr. Ricardo Restrepo.
“She always instilled in us the spirit of service to others and that is something that has marked me as a professional,” said the dra. María Elena Restrepo, who developed an extensive career at the University of Miami and currently works at Miami Veterans Hospital.
All famous in their field, the family continues to prepare, research, deliver lectures, create unique programs to help their patients, and instill hope in times of pandemic.
“The world has to go on, that is necessary, but people have to understand that behavior must be modified. Social distancing will have to continue, as will the use of masks, etc. This is one thing that is here to stay, and will eventually become the norm. Now they will open the economy and you have to be aware that this will get worse for a couple of months, but it is what must happen. We will continue to inform, educate, and support as much as possible, “concluded dr. Ricardo Restrepo.
Camila Mendoza
Special
@camila_mendoza
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