Clinical Professor at UT Health San Antonio. Dr. Cruz, a surgical specialist trained at the University of Minnesota, was the first UT Health San Antonio chief of surgical oncology; Dr. Cruz was principal investigator for the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project at UT Health San Antonio, helping prove that lumpectomy or segmental mastectomy was as effective as total mastectomy in cure rates and was less mutilating. He also was instrumental in promoting the blue dye-radioisotope sentinel node biopsy procedure on lymph nodes in a patient’s axilla, which is now being widely tested throughout the US and Canada.
…in 1963 = while working with Dr. C Walton Lillehei, Dr, Cruz devised a free-floating heart valve, a significant advancement in medicine at the time. The valve was later modified and was patented as the Lillehei~Cruz~Kaster artificial heart valve
…He was a leader in breast oncology clinical trials and an author of numerous studies which revolutionized breast cancer treatment. He was a pioneering advocate for breast conserving surgical care, …Breast conserving treatment is now the standard practice for most breast cancer patients.
…Tradition of service to the United States begun by Dr. Cruz’s father in WW 11 was furthered by Dr. Cruz, who served as a physician in the US Navy Reserve, deploying as a surgeon on the USNS Mercy during the first Persian Gulf War. He retired as a USN captain after 20 yrs of distinguished service. His oldest daughter, Raquel Cruz Bono, became the first Filipina and female surgeon to achieve the rank of Vice Admiral in US Navy history. His son, Anatolio Cruz 111, also attained the rank of Rear Admiral, making them the first brother & sister ever to serve at Flag rank concurrently.
Tributes From SPSA Leadership
May 29, 2023
t found out today that our very good friend and colleague, Dr. Anatolio B. Cruz, Jr., a Past President of SPSA and a regular contributor to our CME passed away last Sunday, May 21, 2023. Lory and I extend our condolences to Rose and her family and share in their grief and sorrow with the passing of our good friend and colleague, Tony. He was Professor of Surgery and Founding Chief, Surgical Oncology, University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio. He is the epitome of a talented and skillful academic surgeon whose sentinel contribution to American surgery in the field of surgical oncology specifically in the treatment of breast cancer contributed immensely to patients’ survival. He was an innovator, researcher and a highly respected and beloved educator. He served in the United States Naval Reserve and retired as Captain after 20 years of service. A quiet, humble and honest intellectual; his pleasant personality, friendship and wise counsel will be sorely missed. May the Lord bless his soul and give him eternal peace and may He give his blessings of comfort and solace to Rose and her family during this period of bereavement.Hernan
Hernan M. Reyes, MD, FACS
Daniel Fabito
TO SPSA FELLOWS,
Dr. Hernan Reyes, Chairman of COPP , SPSA 2.0 informed me of the recent passing of Dr. Anatolio Cruz , UP Class ,57 last May 21, 2023. He was Past SPSA President. May he rest in Peace and let us pray for the repose of his soul and condolences to his lovely wife and family.
Sincerely,
DAN FABITO M.D. FACS, FPCS
SPSA Executive Director
Marilyn Donato-Tony D Tue, May 30, 5:45 am
Dear Ed,
Thank you for sharing. Our heartfelt condolence to Rose and the rest of the family. Tony was a great innovator and pioneer in the progress of surgical treatment in this country and abroad. May he rest in peace with the Lord. We miss him.
Tony and Marilyn
Romualdo Laygo May 30, 2023, 5:36 AM
So sorry to hear about his passing please extend my deepest condolences to his family