René Favaloro is Argentina’s most famous doctor and surgeon having pioneered the first coronary bypass. Murals dedicated to Favaloro can be found all over Buenos Aires. Photos by Buenos Aires Street Art.
Rene Favaloro mural by Maxi Bagnasco (photo © BA Street Art)
Favaloro was born on 12th July 1923 in the city of La Plata, Buenos Aires. After school he attended Faculty of Medical Sciences of the National University of La Plata where he graduated in 1949. Favaloro was one of the most respected heart surgeons in medical history. He became famous for developing the coronary artery bypass operation, commonly known as heart bypass surgery. His work revolutionised the treatment of heart disease and has helped save millions of lives around the world.
View of mural of Rene Favaloro along Avenida Entre Rios in Monserrat (photo © BA Street Art)
Argentine street artist Maxi Bagnasco painted a mural of Favaloro on the facade of Fundación Favaloro Hospital Universitario in Monserrat, Buenos Aires in 2023 to mark the 100th anniversary since his birth.
The realistic portrait painted with aerosol spray measures 22m high by 12m wide and was painted in just one week. It’s located at Avenida Belgrano 1746.
Portrait of Favaloro (photo © BA Street Art)
Favaloro’s uncle, Dr. Arturo Cándido Favaloro, lived and practiced medicine in Avellaneda in the province of Buenos Aires. During his primary school summer vacations, a young René would stay at his uncle’s house in the district. In his book ‘Memoirs of a Rural Doctor‘, Favaloro stated that it was during those summer stays in Avellaneda that he realised he wanted to become a doctor. Favaloro was also a passionate football fan and supporter of local team Arsenal de Sarandi.
Plaza René Favaloro in Avellaneda, Buenos Aires (photo © BA Street Art)
Murals of Favaloro can also be found around Avellaneda and Sarandi including a this one (above) at a public square dedicated to the heart surgeon.
Another mural of Favaloro in Avellaneda (photo © BA Street Art)
Instead of immediately pursuing a prestigious career, he chose to work as a rural doctor in the small town of Jacinto Arauz. During his years there, he treated patients with limited medical resources and became known for his dedication, kindness, and commitment to improving healthcare for everyone. These experiences shaped his belief that medicine should always serve people, regardless of their background or income. A far cry from 21st century medicine in many countries that has gradually become more profit orientated and focused on selling drugs while treating symptoms rather than causes.
Mural picturing Favaloro in surgeon’s uniform (photo © BA Street Art)
In 1962, Favaloro moved to the Cleveland Clinic in the United States to specialise in heart surgery. While working there, he developed a new surgical technique to treat blocked coronary arteries. In 1967, he successfully performed the first coronary artery bypass operation using a vein from the patient’s leg, called the great saphenous vein, to create a new path for blood to flow around blocked arteries. This procedure dramatically improved the survival and quality of life of patients with severe heart disease and soon became one of the most common and successful heart operations in the world.
Mural of Favaloro by Pintor One (photo © BA Street Art)
Argentine graffiti artist Pintor One painted a realistic portrait of Favaloro on some shutters of a local paint store in San Martín earlier this year. In 1971, Favaloro returned to Argentina because he wanted to improve healthcare in his home country. He later founded Favaloro Foundation, an institution dedicated to patient care, medical research, and the education of future doctors. He believed that scientific progress should always be combined with compassion, honesty, and social responsibility.
Mural of Favaloro in San Martín, Buenos Aires (photo © BA Street Art)
Although Favaloro received many international awards and was admired worldwide, he faced serious financial challenges while trying to maintain his medical foundation. He died in Buenos Aires on July 29th 2000, after taking his own life with a gunshot to the heart at the age of 77. Despite the tragic end to his life, his contributions to medicine continue to benefit people every day.
Sculpture of Favaloro by Alejandro Marmo (photo © BA Street Art)
Today, Favaloro is remembered not only as the pioneer of coronary bypass surgery but also as a doctor who dedicated his life to helping others. His legacy of innovation, compassion, and service continues to inspire doctors, scientists, and students across the world.
All photos © Buenos Aires Street Art
