Historical Perspectives

Abstract

Roberto Caldeyro-Barcia, MD, PhD, FRCOG (ad eundem), FACOG (hon), FACS (hon), was born in Montevideo, Uruguay on September 26, 1921. He was to become an outstanding obstetric physiologist, arguably the greatest of his day, if not of all time. Roberto's father, Dr Joaquin Caldeyro, was a distinguished physician, and his mother, Elvira Barcia, was the daughter of a lawyer, Carlos Barcia, also with a medical family background. Roberto began his education at the English School in Montevideo. It was there that the headmistress, Mrs. Ivy Thomas, first called him “Bobby,” a name adopted by his family and close friends. While there, he also met Ofelia Stajano, later to become his wife. Moving on to the Elbro Fernandez School, Bobby confirmed his outstanding academic potential. He was very hard working and had an exceptional memory combined with an enquiring mind. At the same time, he enjoyed sport, including football, swimming, surfing, volleyball, and polo among his activities. From the age of 15, he began to court the beautiful and intelligent Ofelia. They were neighbors and went riding together, carefully chaperoned by his uncle. In 1938, at the age of 17, Roberto entered the University of Uruguay's Faculty of Medicine. As before, he revealed himself to be a brilliant student, but he also found time for student affairs and was well-informed about world events. Indeed, in 1940 during World War II, he took part in a march through Montevideo in support of the Allies. Roberto and Ofelia became engaged in 1945 and were married the following year. In 1947, Roberto qualified in medicine, winning the silver medal for his year. (1) Upon graduation, Caldeyro-Barcia was appointed Assistant Professor of Physiology in the Institute of Physiology, Montevideo (Associate Professor, 1950). In parallel with his medical course, he had trained in physiology with …