Page 14 - Layout 1

THE WONDERS
OF RETIREMENT

Easing into Retirement is turning out to be a step-by-step process — and a
retirement, very rewarding one — for notable San Antonio physician Fernando
step by step Guerra, MD, MPH, FAAP. As the longtime director of health for
the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, Dr. Guerra oversaw
By Julie Catalano the operation of 32 health locations throughout the city and several
additional areas of Bexar County, worked to improve access to un-
Photo this page: Dr. Fernando Guerra and his wife, Beverly derserved populations, established groundbreaking initiatives at the
Purcell Guerra, went to Ecuador in May 2015, and visited El health district, and through it all, maintained an active practice in
Panecillo, a hilltop just south of Quito’s historic center, and pediatrics.
the site of a unique statue of a winged Virgin Mary.
Photo opposite page: Dr. Guerra enjoyed the view from a Along with numerous positions in local, regional and national or-
hotel room in Cuenca, Ecuador, during a visit in May 2015. ganizations, appointments to various boards and committees, con-
PHOTOS BY ROBERTO ‘BEAR’ GUERRA tributions to medical literature, and much more, Dr. Guerra’s
professional life showed a consistent dedication to raising awareness
14 San Antonio Medicine • September 2015 of important issues in public health — a passion that continues to
this day, five years after he retired from the health district.

“I tried to prepare for retirement,” Dr. Guerra said. “I would say
that it was easier to break away from public health and the admin-
istrative responsibilities, than from pediatric practice because of the
long-standing relationship with children and their families — in
some instances, the second- and even a few third-generation families.
However, having very experienced and devoted staff in both public
health and pediatrics ultimately made the transition easier.”