The Order of Health Merit Jose Fernandez Madrid ( es, Orden del Mérito Sanitario "José Fernández Madrid") is an order granted by

Colombia Colombia (, ; ), officially the Republic of Colombia, is a country in South America with insular regions in North America—near Nicaragua's Caribbean coast—as well as in the Pacific Ocean. The Colombian mainland is bordered by the Car ...

, established in 1950. The order is awarded for distinguished service in the medical field to the

Colombian Armed Forces The Military Forces of Colombia ( es, Fuerzas Militares de Colombia, links=no) are the unified armed forces of the Republic of Colombia. They consist of the Colombian Army, the Colombian Navy and the Colombian Air Force. The National Police of ...

Criteria

The Order of Health Merit Jose Fernandez Madrid is primarily awarded to members of the Colombian Military Medical Corps for acts of heroism, excellence in military spirit and discipline, performance in instruction in the development of the tasks of the General Staff, scientific research for the benefit of the Colombian Armed Forces and distinguished service. Members of the other branches of the armed forces may be awarded this order, as well as foreign civilian and military personnel.

Grades

The Order of Health Merit Jose Fernandez Madrid is awarded in the following grades: * Grand Cross (''Gran Cruz'') * Grand Officer (''Gran Oficial'') * Commander (''Comendador'') * Officer (''Oficial'') * Knight (''Caballero'') * Companion (''Compañero'')

Notable recipients

C. Walton Lillehei Clarence Walton Lillehei (October 23, 1918 – July 5, 1999), was an American surgeon who pioneered open-heart surgery, as well as numerous techniques, equipment and prostheses for cardiothoracic surgery. Background Clarence (often called "W ...

References

{{reflist Orders, decorations, and medals of Colombia