Brazilian medicine lost one of its greatest figures this Saturday (30). Professor and doctor Angelita Habr Gama died at the age of 93 at the Oswaldo Cruz German Hospital, in the central region of São Paulo. Internationally recognized for her contributions to coloproctology and the treatment of rectal cancer, she had been hospitalized since the beginning of the month and leaves a legacy that spans generations of doctors, researchers and patients.
Professor Emerita at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (USP), Angelita built a career marked by pioneering spirit, scientific excellence, and dedication to medical care. Her work placed her among the 2% most influential scientists in the world, according to a survey conducted by Stanford University in the United States.
Throughout decades of practice, she has become one of Brazil's leading experts in diseases of the large intestine, rectum, and anus, gaining recognition both within and outside the country.
A legacy that changed medicine.
Angelita Habr Gama became especially known for revolutionizing the treatment of rectal cancer. She was responsible for developing and disseminating the protocol known as "Watch and Wait," a strategy that allowed, in selected cases, the preservation of the rectum in patients who showed a complete response to cancer treatment.
The proposal represented a significant shift in the approach to the disease, reducing the need for radical surgeries and improving the quality of life for thousands of people around the world.
The doctor advocated for a humanized view of medicine, combining scientific rigor with concern for the well-being of patients.
His dedication to his profession was often summed up in a phrase that became a hallmark of his career:
"I've always worked for enjoyment and pleasure. Success was a consequence."
Pioneering spirit and international recognition
Beyond her clinical and scientific work, Angelita played a fundamental role in training new generations of specialists. She created the Coloproctology department at the Hospital das Clínicas of the USP Faculty of Medicine, consolidating an area that would become a national reference.
He also founded and chaired the Association for the Prevention of Bowel Cancer, an institution focused on raising awareness, prevention, and early diagnosis of the disease.
Her recognition transcended Brazilian borders. Angelita became the first woman to be inducted as an honorary member of the prestigious American Surgical Association, one of the oldest and most renowned surgical organizations in the United States.
The achievement symbolized not only the recognition of his scientific output, but also the breaking of historical barriers in a field traditionally dominated by men.
Performance up to the last few years
In recent years, Angelita maintained intense academic and professional activity. At the Oswaldo Cruz German Hospital, where she passed away, she worked as a researcher and colorectal surgeon at the Specialized Center for the Digestive System.
His presence continued to be a point of reference for colleagues and students, who saw in his career an example of dedication to science and medical care.
Throughout his professional life, he published numerous scientific papers, participated in international research, and contributed to the advancement of colorectal disease treatment in various countries.
Tribute from the Oswaldo Cruz German Hospital
In an official statement, the Oswaldo Cruz German Hospital lamented the doctor's death and highlighted the importance of her contribution to Brazilian medicine.
"The board of directors, management, clinical and care staff, and employees of the Oswaldo Cruz German Hospital are deeply saddened by this irreparable loss to Brazilian medicine. We have lost a great professional and a colleague whom we will always remember with respect, gratitude, affection, and admiration. We extend our deepest sympathies to the family during this time of great sorrow."
The demonstration reflects the recognition Angelita has earned over more than half a century of dedication to medicine, research, and teaching.
A life dedicated to science.
The death of Angelita Habr Gama brings to a close a career marked by innovation, commitment to public health, and a constant search for solutions that transformed medical practice.
His name remains associated with advancements that changed the history of colorectal medicine and expanded treatment options for rectal cancer patients worldwide.
More than just an internationally renowned surgeon, Angelita leaves behind a legacy of medicine guided by excellence, research, and human care—values that helped solidify her as one of the most important figures in Brazilian science.
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