Elzo Pertuiset

Elzo Pertuiset Lira (Santiago, 28 May 1907 – Santiago, 1983) was a Chilean dentist and politician who served as Minister of Agriculture from June to November 1958 during the second administration of President Carlos Ibáñez del Campo.

Early life

Pertuiset was born in Santiago, Chile, on 28 May 1907, the son of Roberto Pertuiset and Elena Lira. He received his primary education at the Instituto Nacional and his secondary education at the Internado Nacional Barros Arana. He subsequently studied at the Dental School of the University of Chile, qualifying as a dental surgeon in August 1931. He later undertook further studies in medicine.

He married Violeta Chassin Trubert, with whom he had four children: Roberto, Jacqueline, Paulette, and Elzo.

Political career

Pertuiset began his professional career as a surgical assistant at the Dental School of the University of Chile and later worked at the clinic of physician Italo Alessandrini Iturriaga. He subsequently joined the General Directorate of Health, where he headed sections responsible for dental inspections and medical professionals. He also worked as a dentist for the Chilean Air Force and the Private Employees' Pension Fund (Empart).

Pertuiset was also involved in sports administration. He served as an honorary dentist and referee for the Chilean Boxing Federation, was a member of the National Sports Council, and served as president of Green Cross in 1941. In 1955, he was appointed honorary director of the state sports authority.

During the second administration of President Carlos Ibáñez del Campo, Pertuiset was appointed Minister of Agriculture on 16 June 1958. He remained in office until the end of Ibáñez's administration on 3 November 1958.

Pertuiset was also a member of several professional organisations, including the Sociedad Odontológica de Chile and the Sociedad de Biología Estomatológica. He died in Santiago in 1983.