Nacogdoches Medical Center’s chief nursing officer is retiring after 43 year in the health care field.

A ceremony was held for Mario Estrella Thursday. Most of his career was spent at Nacogdoches Medical Center.

Estrella said that kindness and compassion are two of the most important traits for someone working in the health care field.

“Let humanity fill your presence in this world every day,” Estrella said. “Do it frequently. Do it often, and do it with passion.”

East Texas News will have more on Estrella’s career and his retirement ceremony later today.