In a world where compassion meets cutting-edge technology, where healthcare innovation flows as freely as hope, there stands a man whose journey from Colombia to the global stage speaks of both resilience and vision. Víctor Raúl Castillo, a name now echoed alongside the most distinguished medical leaders globally, has been honored as one of the world’s top hospital directors. Newsweek, the prominent New York-based publication, has placed Castillo among 24 exceptional medical leaders, with his work shining from the heart of Bucaramanga, Colombia.
This recognition, rooted not just in numbers and accolades, but in the warmth of his care and the depth of his leadership, casts a new light on the future of healthcare—not just in Colombia, but globally.
Víctor Raúl Castillo: Leading with Innovation and Heart
At 68 years old, Víctor Raúl Castillo, president of both the Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia (FCV) and the Hospital Internacional de Colombia (HIC), has spent over three decades not just managing hospitals, but transforming them. His leadership is a testament to how empathy, combined with technology, can change lives. For Castillo, healthcare is not just a job—it’s a calling. A calling that has led him to pioneering advancements in cardiovascular surgery and shaping institutions that stand at the forefront of medical innovation in Latin America.
Recognizing his unyielding dedication, Newsweek cited several reasons for his inclusion in this prestigious list, including his commitment to providing the most impactful patient care, his curiosity about the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, and his genuine warmth when discussing his medical team. These traits resonate not just with those he leads, but with patients whose lives have been changed because of his efforts.
A Visionary in Healthcare Technology
In an era where AI in healthcare management is transforming the medical landscape, Castillo has embraced these technologies with open arms, making the FCV and HIC leaders not just in Colombia but globally. His vision has always been clear: to create a healthcare system that serves with both heart and innovation. And that vision has not gone unnoticed.
Under his leadership, these institutions have pioneered research in both pediatric and adult surgery, earning over 33 international recognitions in just 23 years. From implementing state-of-the-art medical technologies to investing heavily in patient care, Castillo’s work speaks to a future where healthcare is a blend of both high-tech and high-touch—where machines assist, but humans heal.
Roots in Bucaramanga, Impact Worldwide
Though the hospitals Castillo leads are located in the picturesque area of Piedecuesta and Floridablanca, Santander, the ripples of his influence stretch far beyond Colombia. The Hospital Internacional de Colombia and the Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia have both become internationally recognized, not just for their innovations, but for the heart with which they serve. And it is this blend of compassion and excellence that sets Castillo apart from the rest.
With each surgery, each patient, each new innovation, Castillo demonstrates that Colombian healthcare is a force to be reckoned with. His recognition by Newsweek brings both pride to Colombia and hope to those looking for leaders who see beyond the operating table, into the souls of those they serve.
An Unwavering Commitment to Lifelong Learning
For Víctor Raúl Castillo, success is not simply defined by recognition, but by continuous growth. He has been involved in the Council of the National Program of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Health of Colciencias, an organization dedicated to advancing science and technology in Colombia. His passion for expanding the boundaries of medicine also saw him serve as a special member of the American Diabetes Association, where he worked closely on initiatives aimed at improving the lives of those living with diabetes.
Castillo’s co-founding of the World Society of Pediatric Surgeons and Congenital Heart Disease shows his dedication to tackling some of the most challenging medical conditions. His work does not simply end at the walls of the hospital but reaches into communities, families, and futures—creating waves of change.
Shaping the Future of Healthcare in Colombia
The world may have its eyes on the large hospitals in cities like New York or London, but it is in the heart of Colombia, in the bustling streets of Bucaramanga, that Víctor Raúl Castillo has crafted something extraordinary. His inclusion in Newsweek’s list of top medical directors solidifies his place not just as a leader in Latin America, but as a global figure shaping the future of healthcare.
For Castillo, the journey is far from over. There are more innovations to pursue, more patients to care for, and more ways to blend the art of healing with the science of medicine. His story is a reminder that great leadership is not found in awards, but in the lives we touch and the legacies we leave behind.
