Background: the contribution of important personalities of the medical sciences to the improvement of the human health has been significant. Among them Norman Bethune has shone as one of the most important surgeons of the world and as an example of the noblest qualities of the medical profession. Objective: to introduce the life and work of the Canadian physician Henry Norman Bethune to the Cuban professional community, by means of the two most important features of his personality, altruism and internationalism.Methods: a research study on the life and work of the Canadian physician Henry Norman Bethune was carried out. Historical research methods were used, which included documentary review and interviews. The bibliography used in the study included printed, digital and audiovisual materials. Canadian experts and professors were interviewed.Results: Norman Bethune was a Canadian physician of the first half of the 20th century. Specialized in surgery, he shone for his skills and for the design of several surgical instruments that were used in his time. He fought for the health of the poor and expressed the need for implementing socialized medicine in his country. On a worldwide scale he was notable for his help to countries oppressed by fascism that needed medical care in times of war, what makes him deserve the designation of precursor of medical internationalism.Conclusions: the most important actions of the life and work of Norman Bethune were described, laying emphasis on the altruist and internationalist nature of his personality and his work as a physician
