After attending medical school in Panama City, Panama, Gioconda Gaudiano, M.D., Res. ’78, Fel. ’79, completed her residency and dermatopathology fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine. Subsequently, Dr. Gaudiano specialized at the Tropical Medical Institute in Sao Paolo. From 1980-1984, she served as chief of Dermatology at the Gorgas U.S. Army Hospital in Panama.
Since 1984, Dr. Gaudiano has served patients through private practice. During her time at Baylor, she became aware of the challenges faced by individuals living with albinism in Panama and dedicated herself to helping them. Since 1977, she has organized mission trips to the San Blas Archipelago of Panama, providing mobile clinics and education to this high-risk group. These efforts have been crucial in delivering care to remote and economically disadvantaged individuals. In collaboration with Rotary International, Dr. Gaudiano spearheaded a scabies elimination program benefiting over 7,000 islanders across seven islands.
In 2015, she received the L’Oréal Social Responsibility Award and used the $15,000 grant to facilitate vision care for individuals with albinism, partnering with specialists from the West Virginia University Eye Institute. From 2002 – 2015, Dr. Gaudiano led the Skin Cancer Detection Program for Fundacáncer Panamá, implementing extensive screening and treatment initiatives. She also advocated for and established a permanent clinic at the National Oncological Hospital, providing year-round, no-cost treatments to thousands of patients. Additionally, she contributed to public health awareness by promoting sun safety and overseeing a melanoma awareness program. Dr. Gaudiano’s efforts also led to the installation of Solarmaforos – solar stoplights indicating sun index – in popular outdoor areas in Panama City, Panama. Throughout her career, she has handled complex pro bono cases and participated in the National Health Hospital’s grand rounds for over 30 years.
