Dumitru Bagdasar

Romanian neurosurgeon and academic

Dr. Dumitru Bagdasar in his youth

Dumitru Bagdasar (17 December 1893 – 15 July 1946) was a pioneering Romanian neurosurgeon and a key figure in the development of neurosurgery in Romania. He is best known for establishing the first neurosurgical clinic in Romania and for his contributions to the field of neurosurgery.

Early Life and Education

Dumitru Bagdasar was born in the village of Roșiești, Vaslui County, Romania. He pursued his early education in his hometown before moving to Bucharest to attend medical school. Bagdasar graduated from the University of Bucharest's Faculty of Medicine in 1922, where he developed a keen interest in the emerging field of neurosurgery.

Career

After completing his medical degree, Bagdasar traveled to the United States to further his training in neurosurgery. He worked under the mentorship of renowned neurosurgeon Harvey Cushing at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital in Boston, where he honed his skills and gained valuable experience.

Upon returning to Romania, Bagdasar was appointed as a professor at the University of Bucharest and began working at the Colțea Hospital. In 1935, he established the first neurosurgical clinic in Romania at the Pantelimon Hospital, which later became part of the Bagdasar-Arseni Hospital, named in his honor.

Contributions to Neurosurgery

Bagdasar's work in neurosurgery was groundbreaking for Romania. He introduced modern surgical techniques and was instrumental in training a new generation of Romanian neurosurgeons. His clinic became a center of excellence, attracting patients from across the country and serving as a model for other neurosurgical units.

Bagdasar was particularly interested in the treatment of brain tumors, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. He published numerous papers on these topics, contributing to the global body of knowledge in neurosurgery.

Legacy

Dumitru Bagdasar's legacy is profound in the field of Romanian medicine. The hospital he founded continues to bear his name, and his contributions to neurosurgery are remembered through the many students he trained and the advancements he made in the field.

Personal Life

Bagdasar was married to Florica Bagdasar, a prominent Romanian psychiatrist and the first female Minister of Health in Romania. Together, they were a formidable team in advancing medical care in the country.

Death

Dumitru Bagdasar passed away on 15 July 1946, leaving behind a rich legacy in the field of neurosurgery. His work laid the foundation for future developments in Romanian medical practice.

Related Pages

• Neurosurgery
• Harvey Cushing
• University of Bucharest
• Bagdasar-Arseni Hospital