Frida Kahlo’s 70th death anniversary: a reflection on congenital anomalies and chronicities and on the role of the physician‑friend

This contribution explores the many pathologies that plague the existence of the renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (1907–1954) and the impact they had on her character. Moving from a mere pathobiographical reassessment, this note, through historico-medical research, highlights the patient-physician relationship that the painter developed with Dr. Leo Eloesser (1881–1976) and underlines the role this form of friendship may play in patients’ wellbeing. The special friendship between the artist/patient, Frida Kahlo, and her physician, Dr. Eloesser, shows that medicine is not just the sum of diagnoses and therapies but a much more dynamic and complex process involving trust and humane qualities.