[Portrait of a teacher]

Some biographical data are given about the life of Edmund D. Pellegrino, his modest origins, his effort to get to study Medicine and an overview to his professional life as internist physician, Medicine professor and writer, besides his multiple nominations and high-responsibility appointments in healthcare institutions, medical schools and universities throughout the United States. There are several mentions of his impressive resume and of the numerous tributes he received, as well as appointments and distinctions, and finally, it is also stressed his extraordinary contribution to clinical bioethics. His last decades at Georgetown University and his creative contribution to reform medical ethics led him to achieve a legendary prestige.