Pedro Luis Balina, MD (1880-1949) was an Argentinian physician and professor of dermatology who held the chair of dermatology at the University of Buenos Aires for 21 years. He was one of the founders of the Argentine Dermatological Association and, in 1924, was appointed a titular member of the National Academy of Medicine, the highest medical institution in the country. In 1938 he was made chairman of the Western Section of the International Leprosy Association and ex officio Vice-President of the Association. In a report presented to the Academy of Medicine in 1921, he did much to alert the country’s conscience to its leprosy problems and organized Argentine leprosy meetings, which took place every two or three years, bringing together all who were interested in leprosy to encourage future studies and investigations in the disease. He personally searched for suitable sites for leprosaria and his efforts culminated when he and Dr. Basombrio laid the first bricks for the General Rodriguez Leprosy Colony near Buenos Aires. He published over 50 papers on leprosy.
International Journal of Leprosy, Centennial Festskrift edition, Vol 41, No 2. 1973.