Dr. Fernando Fandiño-Sende

In Loving Memory of Dr. Fernando Fandiño-Sende

April 17, 1956 – August 22, 2026

Dr. Fernando Fandiño-Sende—a devoted husband and father, gifted physician, loyal friend, passionate historian, and wonderfully unforgettable storyteller—passed away suddenly on August 22, 2026, at the age of 70.

Fernando was born in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, where he graduated from medical school in 1979. He later continued his medical education in Philadelphia and Miami Beach, ultimately becoming double board-certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Disease.

Over the course of a distinguished medical career spanning more than four decades, Fernando served as Chief Medical Resident at Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Pennsylvania and led a private practice of cardiology at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach. He practiced cardiology for many years, participated in important clinical research, published medical articles, and appeared in numerous interviews and speaking engagements.

His work also took him far beyond the walls of hospitals and medical offices. Fernando served as an associate medical director in Louisiana and led a nongovernmental organization in the African nation of São Tomé and Príncipe. In 2018, he founded Dr. Sende Wellness, where he helped thousands of patients on their health and wellness journeys.

Medicine was far more than a profession to Fernando—it was his calling. He was an exceptionally knowledgeable and passionate physician who cared deeply about his patients. His remarkable memory and endless curiosity made him a true “walking Wikipedia.” There seemed to be no subject about which Fernando did not know something—and usually quite a lot.

Fernando’s greatest pride, however, was his family. He was a deeply devoted father to his beloved children, Julian and Lara. He was immensely proud of the lives they built for themselves in New York City and Dallas, and his love for them knew no limits. His devotion, guidance, and pride will forever live within them.

Fernando was also a loving husband to his wife, Monika, his soulmate, whom he met exactly 20 years ago and shared 18 years of marriage—a life filled with deep love, laughter, challenges, adventures, and countless memories. Together, they enjoyed traveling, discovering new countries, meeting people from different cultures, and experiencing the world side by side. The love story of Monika and Fernando will remain forever in Monika’s heart.

Outside of medicine and family, Fernando had an insatiable passion for politics and history. He could discuss both for hours, always armed with facts, strong opinions, and an unmistakable certainty that he was right. He was equally convinced—one hundred percent—that aliens are among us and that Earth is visited by them frequently. Whenever he noticed a flickering star in the night sky, he watched with hope and excitement, wondering whether this time it might truly be a UFO.

Those who knew Fernando will especially remember his tremendous sense of humor. He could be stubborn at times, but he was also hilariously funny, with an unexpected joke always ready. His wit arrived when people least expected it, transforming ordinary moments into stories that would be repeated and laughed about for years. His humor, intelligence, and larger-than-life personality made him impossible to forget.

Fernando loved his friends deeply, and he treasured the conversations, laughter, and companionship they shared. He had a gift for bringing knowledge, humor, and spirited debate into every room he entered.

Fernando leaves behind an extraordinary legacy—not only through the many patients whose lives he touched, but through the family and friends who loved him so dearly. His brilliant mind, endless curiosity, mischievous humor, dedication to medicine, and profound love for Julian, Lara, and Monika will never be forgotten.

And perhaps, whenever a star flickers a little more brightly than the others, those who loved Fernando will look toward the sky, smile, and wonder if he finally found the answer.