Dr. Manuel Amunárriz Urrutia, a Spanish physician and Capuchin Franciscan, has dedicated over 30 years to serving the indigenous populations of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Since the 1970s, he has led the Franklin Tello Missionary Hospital in Nuevo Rocafuerte, a remote area in the northeastern Amazon of Ecuador. The hospital primarily treats indigenous patients from various ethnic groups in the Amazon, including those from neighboring Peru.

Dr. Amunárriz has cultivated extensive experience in medical practice within a predominantly indigenous region. His work has centered on providing comprehensive healthcare, with a particular emphasis on surgical procedures. This commitment has been integral in bridging cultural gaps and fostering an environment of intercultural medicine, which recognizes and respects the traditional health practices of the local indigenous communities.

Throughout his career, Dr. Amunárriz has exemplified the principles of humanitarian medicine, blending his medical expertise with his Franciscan values. His work at the Franklin Tello Hospital is not just a testament to his skills as a physician but also to his deep commitment to social justice and the health rights of marginalized populations. By integrating modern medical practices with an understanding and respect for indigenous traditions, Dr. Amunárriz has made significant contributions to the health and well-being of countless individuals in the Amazon. Dr. Amunarriz is also a biologist, expert in parasitology with countless publications about endemic diseases like Chaga’s disease.

Naming this research center after such a dedicated and commited expert is an honor to us.