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2026 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AND HUMANITARIAN AWARD

Fabiola G Roura Moreno | Published on 10/20/2026

During the Gala Dinner of the 53rd Annual PAMS Convention, held on Friday, August 28, 2026, in the Alhambra Ballroom of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Iquitos, Dr. Miguel Vásquez, Chair of the Awards Committee, introduced the PAMS members honored with the Lifetime Achievement and Humanitarian Awards.


These awards recognize a lifetime of dedication to advancing medical education and providing care to Peru’s most vulnerable communities.


We are pleased to present the honorees: Dr. Carlos Sánchez and Dr. Aldo Rafael.


 

The Peruvian American Medical Society proudly honored to present Dr. Carlos Sánchez with the PAMS Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his extraordinary dedication to medicine, humanitarian service, and Peru.

A Peruvian-born pediatrician, U.S. Navy veteran, and longtime physician in San Diego, Dr. Sánchez has devoted decades to serving underserved communities throughout Peru. Through his Condorsoul Missions, he has brought medical care to children, families, and Indigenous communities in remote areas including the Amazon, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, and Andahuaylillas.

His commitment extends beyond medicine to education, community development, and the preservation of Peruvian history and culture. Even in his 90s, he continues his work in Andahuaylillas, Cusco, supporting initiatives focused on childhood anemia, dental health, and a community health library.

Dr. Sánchez embodies the values of PAMS—service, compassion, excellence, and love for Peru. Although he could not be with us to receive the award, we celebrate his remarkable legacy and his continued commitment to the people of Peru.

Congratulations and thank you, Dr. Sánchez, for a lifetime of service!



 

Dr. Aldo Rafael was awarded the PAMS Humanitarian Award.  Dr. Rafael, a Peruvian-born cardiothoracic and heart transplant surgeon at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, was recognized for his outstanding contributions to advanced cardiac care and medical education in Perú.

Through the Salvando Corazones mission at Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo, he continues the legacy of his mentor, PAMS member Efraín Montesinos, MD, who established the hospital's cardiothoracic surgery residency program, where Dr. Rafael was its first resident.

Working alongside Peruvian and U.S. volunteer surgical teams, Dr. Rafael contributed to the first heart transplant performed at a Peruvian public hospital in 2025. In 2026, he also participated in three robotic cardiac surgeries, including Perú's first robotic minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) procedure.

Dr. Rafael's commitment to training future surgeons and strengthening local healthcare services reflects the lasting impact of PAMS's medical education and humanitarian initiatives.

Congratulations, Dr. Rafael, and thank you for your outstanding work!