History

The Ireneo Portela Centenary Medal (Medalla del Centenaro de Ireneo Portela) was instituted by the government of Argentina in commemoration of Dr. Ireneo Portela. on his centenary birthday in 1902.

Dr. Ireneo Portela was a notorious politician and prominent physician in Argentina during 19th century. As a physician, Dr. Portela studied medicine at the University of Buenos Aires, and continued with his studies in Paris. When he returned to Argentina, he served during the epidemic scarlet fever in 1836, fact that brought him a great prestige among the medical community.

It is not clear who was the recipient of this Medal.

The Medal features an obverse inscription that translates to “Centenary of Sr. Ireneo Portela, 1802 - 15 July, 1902” and a reverse inscription that translates to “Physician, Surgeon, Teacher, Legislator, Minister. As a Doctor, You Fought the Scarlet Fever Epidemic of 1836. As a citizen and public man You Fought for the Freedom of your Country.”