Dr. József Sándor was greeted on the occasion of his 80th birthday by his colleagues, friends, and scientific cooperation partners on the event organized at the Theoretical Block at Nagyvárad tér. Dr. Sándor (scientific advisor of the Department of Surgical Research and Techniques) received a Pro Universitate award from dr. Béla Merkely, Rector.
Dr. József Sándor, pioneer of the Hungarian laparoscopic surgery, professor of numerous generations of surgeons, the ambassador of science, had received many professional recognitions. He did an outstanding job in raising the international image of Semmelweis University and has been actively helping to build its international relations ever since. – said dr. Béla Merkely.
Your outstanding career in the area of education, scientific research and patient care is a perfect example for our physician colleagues. They respect the past of surgery and actively participate in the challenges posed by the present and only they can change the future of surgery.
– said rector dr. Merkely. At the end of his speech, he handed the Pro Universitate award to dr. Sándor and wished him continued success in his professional career.
“You are always able to look on the bright side of things even in the most desperate situations” – mentioned dr. Miklós Kellermayer. The dean of the Faculty of Medicine recalled the important events of the career of dr. József which were also key moments in the history of Semmelweis University and the faculty. Dr. József Sándor played an important role in enhancing the foreign relations of the university. He helped establishing the exchange program of medical students between Semmelweis University and New York State University. He was a key figure in organizing the Tokyo Medical University exchange program of medical students and young physicians in 2002. “I could always count on your critical and analytical advice and your friendly words of wisdom” – said dr. Miklós Kellermayer. He also recited the poem entitled “Kegyelem” (Mercy) written by János Pilinszky.
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Dr. Ferenc Ender (chief of medicine of the Department of Surgery of the Dél-pesti Centrumkórház, private tutor of Semmelweis University) described dr. Sándor as a classical surgeon and educator. His world-renowned career is recognized and respected all around the world. He was the one to initiate the establishment of the Japan-Hungary-Poland Surgical Society. The professor spent most of his career years in Szent István Hospital. Dr. Artúr Seli (chief surgeon of the Surgical Department of the Dél-pesti Centrumkórház) held a presentation made especially for this occasion on the history of the hospital.
Dr. Györgyi Szabó (assistant professor) made a speech on behalf of András Vereckei (president of the Hungarian Surgical Society) Where she reflected on the abundant professional career of dr. Sándor. Dr. József Sándor and his good sense for identifying the possible ways of development within the area of surgery. He was a pioneer in promoting laparoscopic and the minimal invasive technologies and robotic surgery. He attached great importance to education, not only in Hungarian, he also contributed to introducing foreign language programs as well – pointed out dr. Szabó. He is a member of numerous scientific societies, he represented the Hungarian surgery’s values on many occasions. He attached special importance to his Balassa János medal, which is the greatest recognition within the field of Hungarian surgery.
Andrea Ferencz (head of Department) represented the staff and colleagues of the Department of Surgical Research and Techniques. She greeted the professor and mentioned that he played an important role in the history of the institute, he was there at every important milestone. Dr. József Sándor is an excellent organizer, lecturer, and team player. He was the editor and author of multiple chapters of the “Surgical studies” book published in 2015.
His colleagues from international cooperations and working abroad sent him video messages from all around the world.
Dr. József Sándor thanked everyone for organizing the event and looked back at his own career sharing numerous personal memories and stories about his family, brothers and parents as well. He recalled his 62 years working at Semmelweis University, which is nearly one quarter of its 250 years history. The career of education, research and patient care certainly was a pleasure for him. He quoted Confucius and said that he turned his hobby into a career.
Bernadett Bódi
Photo: Attila Kovács – Semmelweis University
Translation: Norbert Lukács
