Raoul Tubiana’s life parallels the progress of hand surgery, to which he contributed greatly. A small boy born within the fragrances of the Algerian soil, Raoul Tubiana’s occupation turned into a calling amidst the turmoil of the 20th Century.
Losing both a brother and his mother developed his sense of empathy towards the physical and moral pain of others. He attended the school of Life but other that of War, during which his path crossed that of Général de Gaulle’s twice, in Algeria and Corsica.
Day and night, for fifteen year, he served patients suffering serious burns. He travelled the world for consultations and conferences, with notable trips to America and Mexico. Few remember that, after leaving the operating room at night, this doctor with a passion for art and literature met with the likes of Audiberti, René Char, Alberto and Diego Giacometti, Zao Wou-ki, and Tamayo.
He was also the Doctor of exceptional patients… He maintained a uniquely close relationship with Marie Bonaparte, Coco Chanel, Dina Vierny, Louise de Vilmorin. Upon discovering the town of Saint Tropez, the famed surgeon dropped his gloves to focus on musicians’ hands. Wasn’t he the one who borrowed the phrasing of his memories from them? The path of his memories throughout the century is traced by the book “Entre Tes Mains” (France Empire Editions). 
All of us miss our friend and master, Professor Tubiana, who passed away on October 14 2013. He remains our main source of inspiration.
A tribute to Raoul Tubiana was screened at the last meeting of the Société Française de Chirurgie de la Main.
In 20 years of existence, the INSTITUT DE LA MAIN has become one of the main hand and upper limb surgery centers in Europe. Its nine surgeons on staff can treat all hand and upper limb problems.
Institut de la Main
Clinique Bizet
21 rue Georges Bizet
75016 PARIS
Front Desk : +331 84 13 04 56
Hand Emergencies : +331 84 131 131
