Jordi Gol i Gurina (1924–1985), a doctor of people—as he liked to call and consider himself—was a man of thought and action. Passionate about life, he did not shy away from any noble commitment in his work and in the understanding of the human condition as a whole, and more specifically of each individual. A clinician and humanist shaped by scientific and academic rigor, he practiced his profession beside the patient’s bedside, with generosity, and was loved until the very last moment of his life.

Restless in spirit and with an overwhelming personality, he promoted and initiated a major healthcare debate in which projects were enriched by his lucid and constant self-criticism, shared enthusiasm, and his honest approach to ambitious yet achievable goals.

Born into a paternalistic world, he taught us to be autonomous in an individualistic and narrow-minded era. He passed on to us a sense of solidarity and enthusiasm.

Profoundly loyal to our country and to the medicine of our century, a born researcher, committed to the health of individuals and peoples, an tireless fighter for a more just and peaceful world, he left us the weight and substance of his guidance and the ineffable legacy of lucid men who courageously seek the truth.

His open-minded work, oriented toward broad horizons, represents for us a great responsibility, as well as a testament of fidelity to himself and to our country.

Significant aspects of his professional career:

• Degree in Medicine from the University of Barcelona, 1949.

• Social Security district physician from 1961.

• Head of the Internal Medicine Department at the Red Cross Hospital of Barcelona, 1970–1975.

• Board Member of the Governing Council of the Academy of Medical Sciences of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, 1972–1980.

• Board Member and coordinator of the “Health” section at the 10th Congress of Catalan-Language Physicians and Biologists, 1976.

• Board Member of the Barcelona Medical Association, 1977–1980.

• Chair of the Committee on Health Information and Documentation of the ACMCB, 1979–1985.

• Chair of the “Family Doctor” Expert Committee and the “Comprehensive Health Center” Expert Committee (GAPS) of the Barcelona Medical Association, 1977–1980.

• Chair of the Commission for the HCAP of the Department of Health and Social Security (1981–1982) and of the Commission for the implementation of the HCAP of the Department of Health and Social Security, 1984–1985.

• Visiting professor at the University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Faculty of Theology of Sant Cugat, Catalan Summer University of Prada, IES, ICESB, Teaching Unit of Family and Community Medicine, Higher School of Social Assistants, ISPA Chair of Gerontology, Sta. Madrona School of Nursing.