Fernando R. Gutierrez, MD, wasn’t always set on a medical career. “As a kid I wanted to be a pilot,” he said. “But my dad instilled in me the value of a medical career.” His father had always wanted to study medicine but instead stepped in to take over the family hotel and cattle ranching business in Cuba. “In retrospect, I think he wanted me to fulfill his dream.” Gutierrez, who was born in Cuba, arrived in the U.S. with his family at age 13. Of six siblings, he is one of three who became doctors, studying in their father’s native Spain due to the high cost of medical education in the U.S.
Finding His Path to Radiology
Following medical school, Gutierrez went to Puerto Rico for residency and was on his way to becoming a cardiologist. “It quickly became clear to me that there was a burgeoning need for formally trained cardiovascular radiologists,” he said. “So I switched paths and never looked back.”
Edda Quintero, MD, a mentor of Gutierrez during his residency, suggested he consider taking the same path as she had: Complete a radiology fellowship at MIR and then return to Puerto Rico, which was opening a cardiovascular hospital that was poised to become the referring center for the Caribbean.
But what started out as a plan for a short stint in St. Louis with his wife, Ivonne Negron, MD, ended up turning into a storied career as a teacher and mentor for physicians across the U.S. as well as many countries in Latin America.
“When I arrived at MIR in 1978, the place vibrated with energy. There were so many good people here, so much going on. Every day I was learning something new,” Gutierrez said. “And that continues to this day. Radiology is a constantly changing field with new technologies emerging all the time.”
Building Confidence in Others
During his 45 years, Gutierrez said he has helped train more than 600 residents based on a single core teaching principle: building confidence while demonstrating respect and professionalism.
“My MIR mentors were exceptional at explaining basic concepts without embarrassing someone about what they didn’t know, and I strive to do the same thing,” he said. Gutierrez credits the influence of Robert McKnight, MD, and Stuart Sagel, MD. He worked with McKnight in the cardiac catheterization lab for 14 years. Then, in 1992, Sagel invited him to join the cardiothoracic section. “Stuart told me once that he did not come to work to make friends, but rather to teach and prepare next generations of radiologists to be the best they can be in their careers.”
The teaching culture at MIR focuses on collaborative case review: examining imaging studies, describing findings, brainstorming differential diagnoses and ultimately selecting the most likely option. “Even geniuses can get intimidated in a public forum when subject to peer pressure,” Gutierrez acknowledges. “I want everyone to feel comfortable participating.”
That’s why he often presents cases in which he has made mistakes, instead of focusing on his successful diagnoses over the years. “We all make mistakes,” he said. “What’s important is to identify where you went wrong, so you know what to do the next time you are faced with the same dilemma.”
One of Gutierrez’s mentees is MIR Director Pamela K. Woodard, MD. “Dr. Gutierrez is a master at cardiac imaging; there isn’t a disease entity that he hasn’t seen and can’t diagnose,” said Woodard, the Elizabeth E. Mallinckrodt Professor of Radiology. “I feel very fortunate to have trained with him as a fellow.”
Expanding Radiology Education
More than 30 years ago, Gutierrez expanded his instructional sphere to include visiting rotations in Latin America, leveraging MIR as a platform for transmitting what he was teaching and learning to other countries. “From Mexico to Patagonia, MIR attracts residents who want to spend time with us,” he said.
In 2019, Gutierrez partnered with Sanjeev Bhalla, MD, chief of cardiothoracic imaging, and Carlos Previgliano, MD, from LSU Health in Shreveport, Louisiana, to begin hosting webinars in Spanish instead of relying on translators at national U.S. meetings. Their most recent Society of Thoracic Radiology conference drew more than 1,200 virtual participants from many Spanish-speaking countries.
Looking Ahead: Teaching and Travel
In July, Gutierrez will reduce his workload to 60%, allowing him more time to focus on the three things he loves best: teaching, cattle ranching (like his father) and travel. He has lectured in over 20 countries and plans to return with his wife to many of them to work and enjoy their cultures and cuisine.
“My father told me to work as long as I can. Shortly after he sold his business and retired at 80, he called me and confessed that he was bored by 9 a.m. every day after finishing reading the newspaper.” Heeding this advice, Gutierrez plans to use his free time reconnecting with former students who have become colleagues and friends.
“To see someone who I trained 20 years ago leading a department of radiology is incredibly fulfilling,” he said. “It’s like raising a child. I can look back and say, ‘I have contributed to this profession across many countries. To me, that is extremely satisfying.”
Published in Focal Spot Fall 2024 Issue