Professor Reinhold Medina is Chair Professor of Vision and Vascular Science and Head of the Department of Eye and Vision Science. He recently travelled to his home city of Arequipa as an international keynote speaker at CIMA 2025. Here he talks about his congress experience, connecting with old friends, and popping home for a spot of his mother’s cooking.
Going back to Arequipa after eight long years was more than just a trip; it was a deeply personal homecoming. Born and raised in this beautiful city surrounded by three majestic volcanoes, I hadn’t had the chance to visit due to the pandemic and work commitments. Being back was both heartwarming, and surreal.
Arequipa, known as the "White City" because of its beautiful colonial architecture made from white volcanic stone, is one of Peru’s cultural and culinary gems. It's also the birthplace of Nobel Prize-winning writer Mario Vargas Llosa, who recently passed away, reminding us of the city’s legacy.
While this trip was meant to be a holiday, it also had a professional purpose. I was honoured to be invited as an international keynote speaker at the International Congress of Advanced Medicine (CIMA 2025), organised by the University of San Agustin. This invitation also had the wonderful distinction of marking the 25th anniversary of my medical school class graduation.
It was a full-circle moment: to return, not just as a visitor, but as part of the scientific programme. The congress itself was a testament to how far the global medical community has come.
The presentations covered a remarkable range of topics: from cutting-edge treatments for pulmonary hypertension in Cleveland, to progressive policies in Occupational Health from Germany. I talked about our latest research findings on how to keep blood vessels healthy to slow down ageing.
I felt proud to contribute to such a high-calibre event, and to give something back to the institution that set me on this path.
Of course, the trip wasn’t just about science. Reconnecting with old friends, many of whom I hadn’t seen since our university days, was incredibly meaningful. We reminisced about the past and honoured the memory of classmates who tragically lost their lives while caring for COVID-19 patients. Those moments of reflection reminded me how precious and fleeting life can be.
But the true highlight of this journey was reuniting with my parents. Their unwavering support and encouragement were the reasons I pursued medicine and, ultimately, a career in science. Spending quality time with them, enjoying my mother’s cooking, especially traditional Peruvian dishes like Adobo (pork stew) and Arroz Tapado (Peruvian rice), and sharing stories brought back a flood of cherished memories. It reminded me how essential it is to make time for family amidst the demands of professional life.
This trip gave me a renewed sense of purpose and energy, fuelled not just by the science, but by the warmth of home. I left Arequipa with a full heart and a promise: it won’t be another eight years before I return.