Juan Abarca Campal
Doctor Juan Abarca Campal | |
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| Born | October 25, 1944 Ciudad Rodrigo, Salamanca, Spain |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Education | University of Salamanca |
| Occupation(s) | Surgeon and entrepreneur |
| Known for | Founder of HM Hospitales, Abarca Prize |
| Spouse | Doctora Carmen Cidón Tamargo |
| Awards | Grand Cross of the Madrid Health System, 2008 |
Juan Abarca Campal (born October 25, 1944, in Ciudad Rodrigo) is a distinguished Spanish surgeon, medical professional, entrepreneur, and the creator of the HM Hospitales network.
Biography
His interest in medicine was initially sparked by his cousin's involvement in traumatology. He pursued his studies in Medicine and Surgery at the University of Salamanca, where he earned a doctorate specializing in Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, graduating with highest honors. Following this, he served as a Military Doctor within the Air Health Corps, stationed at multiple facilities including the Hispano-American Air Base in Torrejón, ultimately attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Between 1970 and 1977, he completed his surgical residency at La Paz University Hospital and contributed as a volunteer at the Jimenez Díaz Foundation. Opting for professional autonomy, he worked as a 'quota' surgeon within Social Security, leading the General Surgery department from 1977 through 1995. He was among the early surgeons to specialize in pancreatic, hepatic, and biliary procedures, performing his inaugural complete pancreas excision in 1978.
In 1979, he established 'Tertulias Médicas', a medical discussion group that remained active until 1992 and gained significant influence among healthcare professionals. Together with his spouse Carmen Cidón Tamargo, he launched HM Hospitales in 1989 and served as its chairman until 2016, when leadership passed to his son, Juan Abarca Cidón. Since 2021, the HM Hospitales Research Foundation has honored his legacy by presenting the Doctor Juan Abarca International Medical Sciences Prize (the Abarca Prize).
He has contributed extensively to scientific literature on surgical subjects and holds memberships in the Spanish Society of Digestive System, Spanish Society of General Surgery, and the International College of Surgeons.
Awards and recognition
- Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross granted by Pope John Paul II in 2005.
- Business Excellence Award from the Confederation of Business Associations of West Madrid (CADEMO), received in 2007.
- Grand Cross of the Madrid Health System conferred in 2008.
- Recipient of the Dirigentes Award for Business Career in 2011.
- Honored with the Medical Economics Award for Professional Career Achievement in 2012.
Publications
- A Hospital Model. Published by Profesionales de la Medicina y la Empresa S.A., 2001. Preface by Juan Abarca Campal.
- Five Liters of Blood: Memoirs of a Surgeon and Businessman in Private Medicine, J de J Editores, 2007.