Dr Barbaro Ignacio Monzon Torres
Obituary: Dr Barbaro Ignacio Monzon Torres – 1965–2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr Barbaro Ignacio Monzon Torres on 11 July 2025. A revered trauma surgeon, educator, and leader in South African academic surgery, he leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, mentorship, and excellence in trauma care.
Born on 1 February 1965 in Florida, Cuba, Dr Monzon obtained his MD in 1988 and qualified as a general surgeon in 1991. He came to South Africa in 1996 as part of a government-to-government agreement and served in Limpopo at the Polokwane Mankweng Hospital Complex. Choosing to remain in South Africa after completing his contract in 2003, he fulfilled all HPCSA requirements to practise independently.
He earned the Fellowship of the College of Surgeons of South Africa in 2011 through the University of the Witwatersrand, and in 2014, he sub-specialised in Trauma Surgery. Until recently retired, he served as Principal Specialist and Head of Trauma at Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria, while continuing trauma and acute care practice at Netcare Sunninghill Hospital with the Lenmed Group.
A dedicated educator, Dr Monzon was a key contributor to national training initiatives including DSTC, ASSA Tutorials, and SASSiT Courses. He also helped organise one of the first Trauma Update conferences in Polokwane.
His career included roles at other major academic hospitals:
- Clinical Head, Surgery, Pietersburg Hospital (2019)
- Consultant and Lecturer, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (2006–2008, 2018)
- Trauma Surgeon, Netcare Sunninghill Hospital (2015–2018)
- Consultant, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (2011–2014)
He was an active member of leading international and national surgical societies, including ISS, IATSIC, ESTES, PTS, TSSA, ASSA, FoSSA, and SRSSA.
Dr Monzon’s clinical interests spanned surgical critical care, thoracic trauma, rib fixation, damage control surgery, open abdomen, endoscopy, and surgical education. He will be remembered with deep respect and admiration.
Dr Monzon is survived by his beloved wife, two children, two granddaughters, and his mother. He will be remembered for his clinical brilliance, tireless dedication to trauma surgery, and the deep impact he made through mentorship and education. His passing is a great loss to the medical community, but his legacy will live on in the many lives he touched and the systems he helped shape.
In his free time, Dr Monzon found solace in nature. He cherished photographing wildlife and spending time in the African bush, a land he came to call home.
May he rest in peace.
MS Moeng