Gustavo (“Dr. B”) Bermudez, born on June 12, 1936 and raised in Cartagena, Colombia, SA, passed away May 4 2024 in Chicago, Illinois
Dr. Bermudez pursued his passion for medicine in Colombia, graduating from the University of Cartagena, MD, Summa Cum Laude (1961). He completed a Masters in Science program at the University of Miami (1961-1963) Miami, FL whereupon he began an internship and three-year residency in internal medicine at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI. A two-year fellowship in cardiology/invasive cardiology at the University of Chicago (1967) followed. These were the early years of the development of invasive procedures to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Bermudez became Chief of Cardiology (1970) at Columbus Hospital, Lincoln Park, Chicago with the expectation that he would develop a cardiac catheterization/coronary arteriography laboratory there. The lab became one of the most active in a community hospital setting in the city of Chicago for a period of time. During his career, he co-authored, published, and presented numerous research papers to advance the treatment of cardiovascular disease and later in his career, esophageal function and disease. Dr. Bermudez was Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the subspecialty of Cardiovascular Disease; an elected member the American College of Physicians; and an elected Fellow of the American College of Cardiology.
He was an active member of Cartamedas, a Chicago based not-for-profit composed of physicians, spouses, and friends. Funds were raised to purchase and ship new and used medical equipment and supplies to hospitals and clinics located in Cartagena, Colombia, SA. He was a former member of the Board of Trustees of the Latin School of Chicago.
Dr. B loved adventure, whether behind the wheel of his yellow Porsche 911 or driving his F-150 Raptor pick-up truck. His love for the open road and travel was matched by his love for the slopes; he skied Vail in technicolor gear with the same precision and enthusiasm he brought to his medical practice. In summertime, he could be spotted sailing his red and yellow Aquacat on Geneva Lake, Lake Geneva, WI and in later years, off the shores of lake Michigan, Harbert, MI.
His was a colorful life. He had a passion for fine wine and fiesta and was often the life of the party with his signature song, “La Bamba”. Gus was a consummate antiquer, an avid storyteller, and loved the visual arts. He considered a career in art and architecture prior to his pursuit of medicine. Upon retiring, he returned to drawing and painting, which brought him joy in his later years. He leaves behind his wife, Barbara, his five children–Douglas, David (Lisa), Kristen (David), Melissa, Andrew (Lauren) and his six grandchildren–Maya, Tanner, Samuel, Winston, Oscar, and Kelly.
Be it with family or friends, Gustavo’s legacy is secure in the memories of those who loved him.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Chicago in October.
Interment in Cartagena, Colombia, SA.
Memorials to:
The Bend Science Station 1500 SW Chandler Ave, Oregon State University-Cascades campus, Bend Oregon 97702
