History well told is motivating for the spirit. It is entertaining and constructive, explores and ennobles when appropriate. Reading history is mandatory when the truthfulness of the events is conveyed through the thoroughness and demanding attitude of the authors, reflecting consistency, relevancy, and practicality.

Knowing and describing the starting point, the honorable present built despite the difficulties, making wise decisions or making regrettable mistakes, and envisaging a promising future plagued with dreams and expectations; this was the intent of Professors Bernardo Ocampo Trujillo and Julio Enrique Peña Baquero. They are just 2 dedicated and disciplined scholars who are passionately in love with anesthesia, and devoted their lives to weaving the wonderful fabric of Colombian anesthesiology.

Pioneers II¹ is framed in the context of consolidating S.C.A.R.E. and its comprehensive development. The organic structure of the Society with its statutory reforms - Law 6 of 1991 (January 16, 1991) governing the specialty and giving life and legal standing to the National Committee and to the Sectional Committees for the practice of anesthesiology in Colombia. The Special Fund for Solidarity Relief of Claims, FEPASDE, established in 1993 and its impact on the development of the Society in the scientific, professional, and business environments; the anesthesiology seminars and congresses, with growing relevance and influence in universities and in the community as a whole. The safety standards in anesthesia and the leadership in the operating rooms and whenever anesthesia is administered. The portfolio of partnerships with other scientific societies and peer national and international organizations; its active participation in health care policies from the Health Regulatory Committee. The leading role of the Colombian Journal of Anesthesiology in disseminating the academic, scientific, and research publications at the national and international level, now indexed in 15 world renowned databases. The portrait of anesthesiologists as upright and courageous individuals who have traveled the difficult path of the practice of anesthesiology, paving the way and setting an example of consistency, transparency, and unconditional support of the profession for generations to come.

Bernardo Ocampo, anesthesiologist from Caldas, professor, mentor, and historian, together with his colleague and best friend Julio Enrique Peña from Bogotá, have conducted a thorough examination of all the historic episodes worth remembering, represented by disciplined and talented individuals with emotional and executive intelligence in an academic, humanitarian, and professional health care environment, to successfully serve patients in their daily practice. Their success nourishes their personal satisfaction and the advancement of their families. But beyond that, they have shown their students the methodology to do things right, with the patient as number one priority. Knowledge, experience, and love for the profession are not enough, acting with confidence and with a team spirit, results in a competent, ethical, and professional performance.

Thank you Bernardo Ocampo Trujillo and Julio Enrique Peña Baquero for sharing your wisdom and setting an example with your outstanding achievements.