Eduardo Rico Arias (1973–2011)

Eduardo wanted to be a neurologist. He knew the path he had chosen would not be easy, least of all for him. Illness had been his constant companion since childhood, but with the help of family members who left Cádiz province to accompany him, he began his residency in the neurology programme in Almería with high hopes. In the years that followed, Hospital Torrecárdenas was both his hospital and home. Here, Eduardo worked as a doctor before being treated as a patient. Eduardo was obviously an atypical resident, but those who got to know him soon understood his way of working and thinking. No one has ever been more determined in the face of adversity. No one ever set such challenges for himself. He had his goals firmly in mind: finishing his residency and working in his hometown, La Línea de la Concepción. He had begun to plan his research thesis; after exploring several options, he chose the topic of headaches in geriatric patients. He had already gathered a sample of more than 150 cases from outpatient consults, without even having begun that block rotation. He began his research, and we suggested that he use a computer; however, he preferred to write by hand, and at that time, his handwriting was still legible. He also wanted to publish studies and present them in symposia, and did just that. In addition to not missing work and complying with his on-call assignments (he could have been excused, but refused special treatment), he attended all sorts of events, courses, and symposia. Showing the true spirit of Cádiz, he could tell jokes brilliantly and his humour was infectious. We still smile when we recall the stories he used to tell. We often asked ourselves what his source of strength was. Now it is clear: he only wanted to live like the rest, without giving in to self-pity. He was just beginning to achieve his dreams when he had to be hospitalised following an on-call assignment. We came face to face with reality: his health was more fragile than his breezy “I’m fine” led us to believe. In early 2011, he did not return to work; from time to time, he e-mailed us, or we talked on the phone, but he did not always answer calls. We occasionally saw him moving about the hospital with the help of a walker. He never lost hope even during the most difficult times, but his body could endure no more. To our extreme sorrow, Eduardo Rico Arias left us on 26 June 2011.

Dear colleague, we know that you left some unfinished projects behind. But you also succeeded where many did not by actively practising neurology and setting an example of perseverance that none of us will ever forget. Rest in peace.