Alfonso Vallejo Playwright, poet, artist and neurologist Country: Spain

1. Early Life and Education
2. Awakening of Artistic Interests
3. Medical Education and Career
4. Hospital and University Work
5. Literary Accomplishments
6. International Collaboration

Early Life and Education

Alfonso Vallejo was born on July 27, 1943, in Santander, Spain. From 1950 to 1961, he attended the French Lycée in Madrid, where he became fluent in both Spanish and French.

Awakening of Artistic Interests

A recitation of Baudelaire's "Invitation to the Voyage" by his teacher, Monsieur Bihoreau, ignited a passion within Vallejo for expressing human experiences through language. He recognized that writing could capture the essence of actions and emotions, leading him to pursue a life dedicated to artistic expression.

Medical Education and Career

Vallej pursued a medical degree at the Complutense University of Madrid from 1961 to 1966. After graduating, he continued his medical training in Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Denmark. In 1970, he completed his specialization in neurology and earned a doctorate in medicine from the Autonomous University of Madrid in 1977.

Hospital and University Work

Vallej worked as a neurologist at the Clinical Hospital in Madrid from 1971 to 1973 and became the head of the clinical neurology department at a leading Madrid hospital in 1973. From 1975 to 1985, he taught neurology at the Complutense University of Madrid before becoming a professor of medical pathology in 1985.

Literary Accomplishments

Alongside his medical career, Vallejo pursued his passion for writing. He authored 33 plays and 20 poetry collections. His plays have been staged throughout Europe, the United States, and South America, and his works have been translated into numerous languages. His awards include the National Lope de Vega Prize (1976), the Tirso de Molina International Prize (1978), and the Fastenrath Prize from the Royal Spanish Academy (1977).

International Collaboration

During his time abroad from 1966 to 1977, Vallejo collaborated with renowned professionals in Heidelberg, London, Antwerp, Copenhagen, Berlin, and Paris. These collaborations enriched his medical knowledge and artistic perspectives.