Tribute by the Spanish Society of Pediatric Orthopaedics (SEOP)

The Spanish Society of Pediatric Orthopaedics (SEOP) deeply regrets the passing of Dr. José Luis Beguiristain, a master, mentor, and friend, and one of the most influential figures in Spanish pediatric orthopaedics and spine surgery over recent decades.

Dr. Beguiristain was an indisputable reference for his clinical excellence, scientific rigor, and lifelong commitment to children, to whom he devoted his entire professional career, with particular dedication to patients with cerebral palsy and scoliosis.

A disciple of Dr. Cañadell, he carried forward this legacy with his own distinctive approach, characterized by intellectual solidity, clarity of judgment, and a profound vocation for teaching.

He served as President of the Spanish Spine Society (GEER) and was one of the promoters of SEOP, of which he was the first member, remaining actively involved from its very beginnings. At the European level, he was a long-standing and highly active member of the European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society (EPOS), contributing continuously to its scientific and educational activities until his retirement.

In the academic field, he was Professor at the University of Navarra and carried out much of his clinical and teaching work at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra, where he trained multiple generations of pediatric orthopaedic surgeons, many of whom had the privilege of working alongside him. In scientific forums, both nationally and internationally, he was known for his critical thinking, sharp insight in discussions, and, at the same time, for his deep respect for colleagues.

His mentorship extended beyond technical knowledge to an ethical and committed way of understanding the profession. SEOP has lost one of its pillars; Spanish pediatric orthopaedics, a true reference; and those of us who knew and worked with him, a close, generous, and profoundly humane individual. May he rest in peace.