Juan Rodrigo Oyarzun

Juan Rodrigo Oyarzun, M.D., was born in Santiago, Chile, on December 23, 1959, to his parents, Josefina Marquez and Ruben Oyarzun. He shared his childhood with his older sister, Angelica.

As a young boy, Rodrigo enjoyed drawing, painting, wood carving, playing soccer, and delving into world history through books. His father, Ruben Oyarzun, was a Law professor at the University of Chile.

He pursued his education at the University of Chile in Santiago, earning his B.S. and M.D. degrees. During his time in medical school, he forged a lifelong friendship with Omar Nazzal, who became his closest companion, akin to a brother.

In 1985, Rodrigo immigrated to the United States. Despite the challenge of studying in a new language, he passed the medical boards on his first attempt, relying on textbooks borrowed from Mount Sinai Library. Driven by intelligence and determination, he completed a five-year general surgery residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

During this time in 1991, he married Dr. Sara D'Amato, with whom he had two children, Gabrielle Ashley in 1992 and Michael Salvatore in 1997. The family settled in Staten Island, where they shared a love for traveling the world and hosting gatherings in their home.

Rodrigo furthered his expertise by completing a three-year fellowship in Cardiothoracic Surgery at The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark, in 1995. He served as an Associate Professor at The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey before assuming the Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery role at Good Samaritan Hospital in Corvallis, Oregon, from 2000 to 2009.

From 2010 until his passing on February 2, 2024, Rodrigo held the esteemed position of Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Salem Hospital in Oregon, where his dedicated work and passion for his craft left an indelible mark on the lives of many. He was widely recognized as a distinguished Cardiothoracic surgeon within the community.

Rodrigo indulged in various hobbies in his leisure time, including playing tennis, skiing, traveling, motorcycling, gardening, antique shopping, decorating, cooking, and watching foreign films.

Rodrigo is survived by his cherished children, Gabrielle and Michael, his sister Angelica, niece Jessica, nephew Miles, devoted and dear friend Adolfo Gutierrez, his lifelong friend Omar Nazzal, and countless others whose lives he touched, leaving behind a lasting legacy of compassion and excellence in his field.