José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros (1864–1919)

Biography

Venezuelan doctor, scientist and professor, José Gregorio Hernández Cisneros made his profession a constant exercise of charity. Trained in Caracas and Paris, he introduced important advances in experimental medicine to Venezuela and educated generations of students with rigor and honesty. He cared for the poor free of charge, bought medicine for those who could not afford it, and combined scientific competence with daily prayer. He attempted monastic life and the priesthood, but health showed him that his path lay in lay service. He was run over and killed in Caracas while taking medicine to a needy patient.