Jorge Buchanan

Jorge Buchanan, M.D. (94), a long-time resident of the Clear Lake Area and physician at St. John Hospital and Clear Lake Hospital, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2023 at St. Luke’s Health, The Woodlands Hospital. He was born November 27, 1929 in Zacatecas, Mexico and grew up in Tampico and Guanajuato. His parents were Pedro Buchanan Guererro and Irene Espinosa Buchanan. Jorge and his twin sister Aurora were the 4th and 5th of 7 children.

He received his undergraduate education at the Universidad del Estado de Guanajuato and went on to complete medical school at the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico in 1956. Once licensed as a physician, he practiced general medicine in various capacities in the public health system of Mexico from 1956-1966. In 1958, he was assigned to create, organize and operate a new hospital in Oaxaca. During this period he authored a book entitled, “Hospital de 22 Camas” outlining the organization, planning and administration of hospitals in rural communities.

On August 6, 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Victoria Aguilera Alonso. Four children quickly followed, George, David, Victoria and Patricia. Seeking further specialty training, Jorge moved his family to Houston, Texas, where he completed a one-year, rotating internship at St. Joseph Hospital. Next, the family moved to Galveston where Jorge completed a 3-year residency in internal medicine at University of Texas Medical Branch. Then it was back to Houston for an additional year of subspecialty training in gastroenterology at M.D. Anderson Medical Center finishing in 1971. This was followed by 4 years of gastroenterology practice at Doctors Clinic in Galveston. The Buchanan family settled more permanently in the Seabrook-Clear Lake City area in 1976. Dr. Buchanan practiced gastroenterology and internal medicine there for the next 27 years until 2003. He was the first President of the Staff at St. John Hospital from 1981- 1983, served as Chief of the Department of Medicine at Clear Lake Hospital (1985-1986) and

Chief of the Department of Medicine at St. John Hospital (1985-1986). Jorge was one of the first doctors to utilize flexible, fiberoptic endoscopy at these hospitals. He performed thousands of procedures helping people with all types of gastrointestinal disorders. His pioneering work established endoscopy suites, trained nurses and paved the way for other gastroenterologists to move to Clear Lake. Dr. Buchanan’s prolific and successful use of endoscopy helped raise awareness for routine screening to diagnose and remove intestinal polyps and gastrointestinal cancer. He also performed more complex endoscopy to treat gall bladder and pancreatic conditions. Patients, too many to count, thanked him and showered him with gifts for diagnosing, treating and curing ailments they suffered from for years that other physicians had been unable to resolve. He humbly accepted their gratitude but made no effort to self-promote.

The satisfaction of being able to help was all he wanted. Dr. Buchanan was a true pillar of the community. He donated generously to the Harris County Medical Society, Texas Medical Foundation, the annual Airshow at Ellington Field, St. Jude Hospital, the American Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, Shriner’s Burns Hospital and the Catholic Church, among others.

He was an avid fan of soccer, having played throughout his youth and into young adulthood reaching semi-pro status. The Mexican national team’s international matches and World Cup appearances were favorites. He loved aviation. He never missed the Ellington Airshow. His passion for flight led him to complete flight education, training and licensure. He piloted small planes as a member of the Ellington Field Aero Club and enjoyed trips to various local airports and other parts of the state. While attending a continuing medical education course at Harvard, he saw numerous sleek rowing shells gliding past on the river that runs through campus. Jorge was instantly hooked on the idea of buying a boat for himself. He asked around and found a local manufacturer that agreed to build two boats for him, a trainer and a racing shell. Back at home, Jorge was one of the first ever to row on Taylor Lake. Not long after, others followed and established the Bay Area Rowing Club. Jorge moved his boats to the new boat house adjacent to Clear Lake and rowed there weekly. He participated in club events but preferred to row solo, at his own pace, enjoying the beauty of the sport and its health benefits.

Dr. Buchanan was a kind, compassionate, humble man who never sought to draw attention to himself. He received many awards. Those were placed on a shelf or on his office wall without fanfare. He was a dedicated, loving father, grandfather and husband. He very dearly loved his seven grandchildren, Miranda Buchanan, Kyle Buchanan, Emma Buchanan, Julian Shaw, Isabel Buchanan, Zoe Sattar and Remy Sattar. Jorge will be remembered for the countless lives he touched through his medical practice and by simply being himself, an honest, kind, courageous soul with a dry, poignant sense of humor. Jorge Buchanan, M.D. was beloved and respected by his family and all who knew him.

The family will not be holding funeral services at this time. His ashes will be transported to Guanajuato, Mexico where they will be placed next to his beloved parents and sister. At that time, a Celebration of Life ceremony will be held in his honor. All who knew him and wish to pay their respects are welcome to make the trip.