Magazine | About ACAP | Community Events
Associate Clubs Worldwide | Magazine Advertising Rates | Links

Most of us can't wait until it's time to retire and start doing all the things we've been talking about doing “when we have time.” That is, most people, but not Anna Diaz. Anna Diaz can't wait for the next work day so she can keep the Clinica Anglo-Americana up to date and running smoothly.

When Connie Estrada, also a member of the Board of Directors, and I went to see her she briskly told us that if we wanted to know her life story it would take 45 minutes. She modestly, of course, left out most of the details but you can still get an idea of the fascinating life of this extraordinary woman.

In 1935, Anna met a Peruvian OBGYN doctor in Appleton, Wisconsin. They married and moved to Peru. In those days, it was most inappropriate for a woman to work, and while Dr. Diaz was busy setting up his practice, Anna became involved in horticultural activities, flower shows (at which some of her designs won prizes), fashion shows and the American Women's Literary Club (in which she holds Golden Jubilee life membership).

When they decided to buy a farm in Oxapampa (which is known for coffee and cattle), Anna was to be in charge of the farm while Dr. Diaz kept his practice going in Lima. At one point, they had 1 bull and 11 cows with Anna in charge. But then came the changes.

First came the agrarian reform and while they eventually got the farm back, it was a difficult time. And then at the age of 68 Dr. Diaz died, leaving her with young children to raise and educate and no funds.

She moved back to Lima, and while contemplating what to do and how to make some money, the head of the Clinica Anglo-Americana invited her to join them. She started doing assorted jobs and worked her way up to head of the outpatient department.

Anna then decided she needed more education and went to Chile to take courses in communicable diseases and epidemiology.

Today, with her children well educated at both Kansas State University and Texas University, Anna is a one-woman show, responsible for statistical analysis of the Clinic's workings. Her findings are published annually and serve as an updated reference of all her studies and work.

After spending vacation time with her children and grandchildren, this fabulous gal is ready to go back to the office… a perfect example of an interesting woman who is doing the things that interest her and help many others.