A medic who was on the frontline treating coronavirus patients in the Philippines has died.
Dr Raul Diaz Jara, a cardiologist, has been described as “a great father” by the Philippine Heart Association who announced his death on Facebook today.
Paying tribute to Dr Jara, a former president of the association, PHA said in a statement: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the loss of one of the great pillars of Cardiology, PHA Past President Dr Raul Diaz Jara.
“He was a great father, teacher, mentor, poet, author, singer, colleague, friend.
“One who has spent his life teaching. One who never got tired to impart knowledge and wisdom.
“One who made you sweat as he bombards you with questions but would suddenly make you feel at ease as he breaks into a smile.
“Each trainee he encountered and had taught always has a story to tell about him.
“Rest in peace Dr Jara as we remember you in our hearts and the teachings you have imparted to us.
“We deeply mourn for your loss but we want this more to be a celebration of your life.
“Philippine Cardiology will not be the same without you.”
The PHA described Dr Jara as someone who had spent his life teaching and imparting knowledge and wisdom to other people.
They added: “One who made you sweat as he bombards you with questions but would suddenly make you feel at ease as he breaks into a smile.
“Each trainee he encountered and had taught always has a story to tell about him.”
Dr Jara’s grieving family paid tribute to the medical team who looked after him in his final days.
They said: “We are especially grateful to Philippine Heart Center’s doctors, nurses and staff who took care of him and have gone way and beyond their call of duty, as they treated him with compassion, like their own family.”
Dr Jara’s death comes after a young cardiologist, described by PHA as “young, brilliant, promising” also died from COVID-19.
His identity was not revealed.