Manuel Uribe Ángel

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Manuel María Uribe Ángel (4 September 1822 – 16 June 1904) was a Colombian doctor, geographer and historian who also practiced politics. He is known as the “father of medicine of Antioquia” for helping advance medical practice in the region, and he studied the geography and history of Colombia too.

Birth and early life
- Born in Envigado, Antioquia, on 4 September 1822.
- Came from a well‑educated family. Baptized in Envigado and later confirmed as a Catholic.
- Grew up in his hometown and then moved to Bogotá to continue his studies.

Education
- Studied at the Our Lady of the Rosary University in Bogotá.
- Studied medicine at the Central University of the Republic, earning a Doctor of Medicine and Surgery in 1844.
- Traveled and studied abroad in places like Quito (Ecuador), Peru, the United States, and Paris (France). He earned an honorary medical degree from the Central University of Ecuador.

Career in medicine and learning
- Returned to Antioquia and became a respected physician.
- In 1871, joined the University of Antioquia as a professor of medicine and other subjects.
- Helped found and lead the Medellín Academy of Medicine and served as its president.
- Was involved with the Colombian Academy of Language and the Colombian Academy of History.
- In 1903, became the first president of the Academy of History of Antioquia.

Politics
- Joined the Liberal Party and entered politics during Colombia’s long periods of civil conflict.
- In 1877, served as a deputy for Antioquia in the constituent assembly and became its president.
- Elected President of the Sovereign State of Antioquia, serving from 10 April 1877 to 31 October 1877. His term occurred during tense times between Liberals and Conservatives.
- In 1880, he represented Antioquia at the ceremony marking the start of the Panama Canal.
- In 1882, he was elected Senator of Colombia (serving until 1883).

Personal life and death
- Married Magdalena Urreta Saldarriaga in 1854. They did not have children.
- Died in Medellín on 16 June 1904 at the age of 81. He had been blind for the last seven years and was buried in San Pedro Cemetery.

Legacy
- The Colombian Congress honored him after his death and supported creating oil paintings in his memory.
- His hometown Envigado named a hospital and a secondary school after him.
- The Academy of History of Antioquia created the Order of the Centenary of Manuel Uribe Ángel to recognize people who contribute to the study and preservation of Antioquia’s history. President Álvaro Uribe Vélez received the award in 2008.
- He left behind important writings on medicine, geography and history, some published after his death.