Service

A Miracle Maker: Dr. Victor Li-Pelaez

During the Christmas season, the Catholic Healthcare Guild felt it was important to acknowledge one of our own and to specifically highlight one who shares the charisms of our other Miracle Worker, Saint André Bessette. Certainly, Dr. Victor Li-Pelaez, an Austin plastic surgeon, fits the bill with his exceptional ability to humbly serve his patients.

After graduating from Marquette University School of Medicine in 1956, Dr. Li-Pelaez spent three years at Sinai Hospital, in Baltimore, training in General Surgery. He then completed a 3-year Plastic Surgery residency in San Antonio. After practicing in Peru and in New Jersey, Dr. Li-Pelaez relocated to Austin as a solo-practitioner, where he has been treating patients and colleagues with great dignity since 1971.

Dr. Li-Pelaez finds reconstructive cases, with their potential to restore a patient to his or her original condition, to be the most gratifying. However, his faith contributes greatly to the satisfaction he finds in being a plastic surgeon. Because of this, he approaches each patient with the hope of building two important partnerships: “I explain that he or she has to trust and work with me to achieve the results…[and] frequently, I hint or even invite [the patient] to rely on the Great Healer, and to pray to Him.” Those who have worked with Dr. Li-Pelaez immediately reflect upon his gentleness, decency, and skill and marvel at his willingness to always accept the cases others are disinclined to take.

When asked if he has ever witnessed a miracle, he says “No. No particular one. But every case with good results should be considered a ‘small miracle’ and I thank the Holy Spirit for His guidance.” These words of wisdom perfectly express the proper role of the physician in the healing process and are a great reminder that the “miraculous” can take many forms. Thank you, Dr. Li-Pelaez, for your example and your service to the Austin community.

Called by Name

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work… Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. – 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 12

As the Catholic Healthcare Guild, we hope to affect a new sense of cooperation between the various specialties that comprise the health care system.

Contraception and a Change of Heart

This Easter, the Catholic Physicians Guild is asking you to be in the service of your Church. To truly be one body, we must all strive to understand magisterial teachings so that we may work in concert.

Here I am, Lord

Not only did St. Ignatius promote spiritual formation and education, but also service.

Hope for Infertility through Science

After reading Donum Vitae or Dignitas Personae, one may assume there is little hope, except in the miraculous, for Catholic couples facing infertility. However, this is far from true.

Carrying Another's Cross, in Lima, Peru

Few will accomplish what Saint Padre Pio accomplished during his lifetime. His legacy continues despite his death and the sufferings of millions will ultimately find relief in his House.

Living St Luke's Legacy

With St. Luke as an inspiration, the Seton Community Health Clinics invite all specialty physicians of Central Texas to join the St. Luke's Physician Network, an association of specialists who support Seton's efforts to care for the poor and vulnerable in the community.

How to Become a Member

Learn about the Benefits of Joining