Ramon Guiteras: Founder of the American Urological Association, Surgeon, Sportsman and Statesman

Purpose

We conducted an extensive search to learn more about Ramon Guiteras, the founder of the American Urological Association.

Materials and Methods

Scientific publications, newspaper articles, and historical documents and texts were reviewed. Institutions and organizations of which Ramon Guiteras was a member were contacted.

Results

Guiteras' career peaked at the turn of the century, just as genitourinary surgery was emerging as an independent field. The American Urological Association began as an organization of the members of Guiteras' clinic with the dream of becoming an inclusive organization for the benefit of all ethical physicians with an interest in the urinary sciences. Guiteras contributed to advances in urological treatments, including improving and helping to bring a method of suprapubic prostatectomy to worldwide attention. He authored numerous scientific articles and a comprehensive, fully illustrated, 2-volume textbook that was widely translated. He pursued adventure through travel and sport, and participated in missions to Cuba and France during President Wilson's term of office.

Conclusions

Ramon Guiteras died at age 59 years but his legacy lives on through the American Urological Association, a detailed textbook, contributions to urological instruments and techniques, and a vibrant elementary school in Bristol, Rhode Island that bears his name.

Key Words: history, leadership, societies, medical, prostatectomy

Abbreviations and Acronyms: AUA, American Urological Association