Ronnie De Gracia, a paramedic who has dedicated eight years to providing free medical care for Panama City’s homeless population, received the top honor at the Heroes for Panama 2025 gala. The nationally televised event on TVN not only recognized his humanitarian work but also awarded him a full scholarship to pursue his long-delayed medical degree. His victory represents a pivotal moment for both his future and the marginalized communities he serves.
The emotional award ceremony culminated years of struggle for De Gracia, who had repeatedly been denied educational funding despite his clear commitment to public health. His work, entirely self-funded from his paramedic salary, involves providing wound care, suturing, and basic medical procedures to approximately 200 homeless individuals weekly across neighborhoods like Calidonia, Santa Ana, San Felipe, and Curundú.
A Calling Born from Compassion
De Gracia’s journey began not in a medical setting, but at the door of the Don Bosco Basilica in Calidonia. His initial act of bringing food to those in need during his church confirmation course slowly evolved into a comprehensive medical outreach mission. He recognized that goodwill alone was insufficient for providing proper care, which led him to seek formal education.
“I had the will, but not the knowledge. I did not want to hurt someone by doing something without knowing,” De Gracia explained during an interview with El Siglo. [Translated from Spanish]
This realization drove him to study Medical Emergencies at the University of Panama, becoming a certified Paramedic. He consistently emphasized that his street medicine practice operates separately from his official employment, funded entirely from his personal earnings for supplies, medications, and food.
The Patient Who Changed Everything
A profound encounter with a terminal cancer patient solidified De Gracia’s ambition to become a physician. He provided consistent care and companionship for the elderly man until his final medical appointment. The patient’s dying words became a directive that shaped De Gracia’s purpose.
“Study, study. After me, others will come who are worse off, and I want you to care for them,” the man told him. [Translated from Spanish]
That moment created a permanent shift in his aspirations. De Gracia now aims to specialize in oncology, motivated by the extensive suffering he witnesses on the streets that exceeds his current capacity to treat. For years, he pursued scholarship opportunities only to be told he did not qualify or should consider different careers.
A Future Hospital for the Unseen
With the newly secured scholarship, De Gracia’s broader vision includes establishing a small clinic dedicated to serving homeless populations with dignity. His concept of a “hospitalito” would address the critical gap in accessible healthcare for those living in extreme poverty. This ambition aligns with broader national conversations about health system accessibility, particularly following recent government discussions about a hospital and health systems for all Panamanians.
His work frequently involves handling complex Medical Emergency situations with limited resources. The scholarship removes the primary barrier that prevented him from expanding his medical capabilities to better serve this vulnerable community.
“This dream is not for me, it is for the people I care for every day. The poor have been my best teachers and my favorite patients. I do not plan to abandon them ever,” De Gracia stated after receiving his award. [Translated from Spanish]
His immediate next steps involve formally beginning his medical studies while continuing his street outreach. The national recognition has already brought increased attention to the healthcare needs of Panama’s homeless population, potentially paving the way for more systemic support for community health initiatives that serve the most vulnerable citizens.