L Santaella

Dr. Luis Santaella

Dr. Luis Santaella | UCSD Honorary Faculty Member, Physician, Army Officer, and Naturalist

Dr. Luis Ramon Santaella is remembered as a physician, UCSD honorary faculty member, Army officer, and naturalist whose life was defined by service, learning, compassion, and curiosity. Born on August 13, 1938, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Dr. Luis Ramon Santaella lived a life of remarkable achievement and generosity.

Dr. Santaella attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, where he earned academic honors and participated in a wide range of student activities. He later studied at Yale University, including a year at the Sorbonne in Paris, and then earned his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College. He was completing his residency at the University of Puerto Rico when he was called to active military service during the Vietnam War.

He served with distinction in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During his military medical career, he received the Army Distinguished Service Medal for his leadership in securing accreditation for the pathology laboratory at Landstuhl, reflecting his high standards and dedication to excellence in medicine.

After his military service, Dr. Santaella practiced as both a pathologist and family physician in Southern California. He was known not only for his medical skill and professionalism but also for his compassion and generosity, often treating low-income patients without charge.

A defining part of his legacy was his connection to the UCSD Medical School. Dr. Luis Ramon Santaella served as an honorary faculty member with the UCSD School of Medicine, where medical students came to his family practice office for hands-on clinical training. Through his work with UCSD, he generously shared his knowledge, mentored future physicians, and helped shape the education of medical students through practical experience and personal guidance. For many, Dr. Luis Ramon Santaella's work with UCSD represents a legacy of teaching, mentorship, and service.

Dr. Santaella was also a naturalist, traveler, linguist, and avid bird watcher whose love of birds reflected his curiosity and appreciation for the natural world. His contributions to ornithological work showed the breadth of his intellect and interests.

Dr. Luis Ramon Santaella passed away peacefully on September 5, 2013. He is remembered with love and admiration for his warmth, intelligence, kindness, and lifelong commitment to medicine, teaching, and service.

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Dr. Luis Santaella Obituary | Keeper Memorials