In Memoriam: Dr. Joaquim Sarquella Geli – Pioneer in Men’s Health and Fertility (1964–2025)

Remembering a Giant in Men’s Health and Fertility

On July 31, 2025, the world of andrology and reproductive medicine lost one of its most devoted and compassionate leaders. Dr. Joaquim Sarquella Geli, affectionately known as Quim, passed away at the age of 61. For nearly 36 years at the Fundació Puigvert, he stood as a steadfast presence, caring for patients, mentoring trainees, and elevating the discipline of men’s health.

A Life of Care, Teaching, and Clinical Excellence

Dr. Sarquella Geli began his medical journey at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, and by 1989, he had joined the Fundació Puigvert, working under the esteemed guidance of Dr. Pomerol Serra. Specializing in andrology, his clinical interests included male infertility, erectile dysfunction, and Peyronie’s disease. Over the years, his expertise expanded into micro-surgical approaches and reproductive health, and he became widely recognized in circles spanning both national and international urological societies.

He contributed to over 35 scholarly articles, co-authored several book chapters in andrology and sexual medicine, and was a frequent presence at conferences and educational forums. His accolades included early-career awards for excellence in communication and medical media, reflecting both his scientific rigor and his ability to communicate clearly

A Gentle, Steady Mentor

Colleagues at Fundació Puigvert remember Dr. Sarquella as much for his kindness as for his knowledge. In its official statement on Linkedin, the foundation said:

“With his serene smile, untiring dedication, and great human quality, he leaves an indelible mark among colleagues, residents, patients, and friends.” 

The full statement can be read below, where they specifically highlighted one of Quim’s closest friends, Eduard Ruiz Castañe’s emotional words.

“We share some of the emotional words that Dr. Eduard Ruiz Castañe, director of the Andrology Department, dedicated to him today in his farewell ceremony:

“Quim was one of those people who, without making a sound, supported everything. He was always there. With discretion, with serenity, with a constant smile and an admirable ability to make easy what is often difficult. His good character was natural, genuine. He had a close, calm way of doing things, which spread confidence, security and respect to everyone around him.

As a doctor, he was a professional of great solvency and rigour. A tireless, responsible and committed worker to his specialty, he dedicated his life to andrology with vocation and passion. He was always willing to take on more, to lend a hand, to be there for anyone who needed it – whether it was a colleague, a patient, a family member of the patient or a resident who was just starting out.

But if there is one aspect that should be strongly highlighted, it is its commitment to teaching and training future professionals. Quim was a true reference for the residents. For many, he was the first doctor with whom they shared a visit, a surgery, a sincere conversation about the profession and from that first experience, they left with a deep admiration for him. Because Quim didn’t just teach medicine, he taught values: respect for the patient, the importance of teamwork, empathy, responsibility, commitment to ethics.

He was generous with his knowledge, and he never refused to explain, to repeat, to support. The students looked for him, listened to him and loved him. They knew they could trust him, that behind a great doctor there was a great person, one of those who are not forgotten.

Today Quim leaves us, but he doesn’t leave completely. It leaves its mark. In all those who knew him, in those he trained, in the patients he attended, in the people he helped without making a flag. We will miss him very much. But we are left with his legacy, his example and, above all, the memory of an exceptional person who knew how to be great with humility and simplicity.

Rest in peace, dear Quim. Your smile will continue to be present in the memory of all of us”.“

Legacy of Hope, Healing, and Humanity

Dr. Joaquim Sarquella Geli was more than a clinician, he was a foundational figure in men’s reproductive health. As a teacher, mentor, advocate, and most importantly, as a healer, he transformed uncertainty into hope for countless patients and couples. His impact endures in the professionals he nurtured, the institutions he strengthened, and the families he helped build.

Honoring His Memory

To honor Dr. Sarquella Geli’s memory on OncoDaily, we reflect on a man whose life was measured not solely by medical achievements, but also by the empathy, steadiness, and trust he inspired. May his legacy continue to guide the world of men’s health, fertility, and beyond.

Distinctions

• Member of the International Society of Andrology (ISA).

• Member of the International Society for Sexual Medicine (ISSM).

• Member of the European Academy of Andrology (EAA).

• Member of the Spanish Association of Andrology (ASESA).

• Member of the Spanish Society of Fertility (SEF).

• Board Member of the Scientific Committee of the XI National Congress of Andrology, 2003.

• Board Member of the Governing Committee of the Circle of Students and Collaborators (CALCO) of the Fundació Puigvert.

• Scientific collaborator in microsurgery at the Jesús Usón Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre (CCMIJU) in Cáceres.

• Award for Best Presentation at the V National Congress of the Spanish Association of Andrology, Tenerife, 1991. (GRF Stimulation Test: A New Diagnostic Method for Testicular Lesions?).

• Award for Best Video at the VI National Congress of the Spanish Association of Andrology, Vigo, 1993 (Microsurgical Tubulovasostomy).

Watch one of Dr. Joaquim Sarquella’s interviews on youtube in Spanish.

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Written by Sergey Badalyan, MD