PANLAR 2023 Coverage
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Hilton Seda: lifetime appreciation for his contribution to rheumatology in Brazil

By : Estefanía Fajardo
Periodista científica de Global Rheumatology by PANLAR.



31 May, 2023

https://doi.org/10.46856/grp.27.et177
Cite as:
Fajardo E. Hilton Seda: lifetime appreciation for his contribution to rheumatology in Brazil | Global Rheumatology. Vol 4 / Ene - Jun [2023]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.46856/grp.27.e177

"At the PANLAR 2023 Congress, the Aníbal Ruiz Moreno Medal was awarded to professor Hilton Seda, fondly remembered by many as a mentor, both academically and personally. "

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E- ISSN: 2709-5533
Vol 4 / Jan - Jun [2023]
globalrheumpanlar.org

PANLAR 2023 COVERAGE

Hilton Seda: lifetime appreciation for his contribution to rheumatology in Brazil

Author: Estefanía Fajardo: Science journalist for Global Rheumatology by PANLAR, estefaniafajardod@gmail.com

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46856/grp.27.et177

Cite as: Fajardo E. Hilton Seda: lifetime appreciation for his contribution to rheumatology in Brazil | Global Rheumatology. Vol 4 / Ene - Jun [2023]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.46856/grp.27.e177

Published Date: 31/ Mayo/ 2023


To be part of history, in the past and present. Being remembered not only for one’s professional achievements but also for one’s character and the lasting legacy built throughout life is not an accomplishment within everyone’s reach. However, a rheumatologist from PANLAR managed to achieve just that. 

Professor Hilton Seda “has been a presence spanning generations since the founding of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology in 1949. Although he did not establish the Society himself, there a simple reason for that: at the time, he was still a medical student at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Brazil. However, shortly after graduating in 1950, he became a member of the group led by Waldemar Bianchi, Pedro Nava, Israel Bonomo, Décio Olinto, Herrera Ramos, under equal conditions”, explained Dr. Maria Aparecida Celestino Madeiro. 

Master of Pan-American Rheumatology (2006), member emeritus of the Brazilian Academy of Rheumatology, professor Seda was president of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology and the founder of the Brazilian Journal of Rheumatology. This year, at the PANLAR 2023 congress held in Rio de Janeiro, professor Seda, a respected figure as master, teacher, doctor, researcher, friend, colleague and mentor to many was honored with the Aníbal Ruiz Moreno Medal. 

Not only rheumatology, but medicine in general owes a great deal to him. All the homages and tributes bestowed to this master fall short considering how much he represents”, stated Dr. Madeiro 

An exceptional teacher, he served at the Postgraduate School of Medicine of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro, where he mentored and shaped a legion of rheumatologists from all over Brazil. Professor Seda held a tenured lecturer position at this university from 1969 to 2006 and was granted the title of Professor Emeritus in 2007. Furthermore:

  • He made valuable contributions to the scientific publications of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology and the Rio de Janeiro Society of Rheumatology.
  • He is Professor Emeritus at the Paraiba Federal University.
  • He is an honorary member of the Alagoas Society of Rheumatology. 
  • He is an honorary member of the National Academy of Medicine, following a nomination by Academician Cláudio Tadeu Daniel-Ribeiro.

 

It is nothing short than inspiring to hear about professor Seda and his contributions to rheumatology, as well as the impact he had on the lives of those who know him. His wisdom, serenity, modesty and kindness are qualities that distinguish him as a unique and admirable person. Most notable is his ability to blend science and art, as well as his dedication to constant learning. The Aníbal Ruiz Moreno Medal he received at PANLAR 2023 is a well-deserved recognition of his journey and contributions to the field.

What better way to pay tribute to him than through the words of those who know him. Therefore, Dr. Maria Aparecida Celestino Madeiro, the current president of the Alagoas Society of Rheumatology,  who more than just a student was also a friend of Dr. Seda, shares insights about his contributions to the profession and to the lives of those who know him. 

How did you meet professor Seda?

I had the privilege of being his student, and it was truly an honor to have him as my teacher. My admiration for him only grew as I came to know him as a mentor and a friend, experiencing his remarkable and supportive presence during both joyful and challenging times.

What has been the best lesson professor Seda has taught you?

I used to say that I wasn’t just his student, because to be honest, professor Seda doesn’t have former students but rather a legion of students and eternal admirers, of which I am proud to be a member.  

There is no doubt that his wisdom, serenity, modesty and kindness were, altogether, the best lessons he taught me, beyond rheumatology.

How would you describe professor Seda to those who do not know him? 

As a unique individual, possessing intelligence and sensitivity that are hard to find in a person. Moreover, his dignity and exceptional power of synthesis set him apart from others. 

Hilton Seda is a distinguished man in every sense of the word. He is a connoisseur of science and art, fluent in several languages, and a true sage: doctor, teacher, writer, researcher, painter, poet, attentive and voracious reader -an enlightened and resplendent being. His distinguishing hallmark is simplicity devoid of any trace of vanity.

Dr. Seda was awarded the Aníbal Ruiz Moreno Medal at PANLAR 2023. What are the key values that led to this recognition, both as a person and as a doctor?

He is a true sage. With quiet dedication, he brings together colleagues from all corners of the globe, earning universal respect and attaining the pinnacle of wisdom. As Dr. Ruiz Moreno stated in 1941, “Rheumatologists are a fraternity bound by science and by the heart”. Rheumatology pays homage to and expresses heartfelt gratitude to this trailblazer, who has left an indelible mark on its history.

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