We pay tribute to an exceptional individual whose life and personality shaped Semmelweis University, but whose work went beyond the confines of the university, having a significant impact on both Hungarian and the whole of international scientific life. Dr. Anna Kádár passed away in the 89th year of her life, but her intellectual and human legacy is still with us today, emphasized Rector Dr. Béla Merkely at a scientific session in the Semmelweis Salon dedicated to the memory of the professor of pathology, founder of a discipline, head of the former 2nd Department of Pathology, and the only Hungarian president of the International Academy of Pathology (IAP) to date.
As a pioneer of the introduction of English-language education in Hungary, she launched an initiative that continues to define the international role of Semmelweis University. As director of the Foreign Students’ Secretariat (now known as the Center of International Training Programs), she was in contact with many international students not only during their studies but also later in their careers. She was also very proud of her Hungarian students, including Dr. Péter Gloviczki, the Hungarian vascular surgeon with the most successful career.
Dr. Anna Kádár’s scientific research on the electron microscopy of elastic fibers produced significant results internationally as well. “These achievements and the support she gave to her students ensured that her work would live on and its impact would be felt for generations; it is our sacred duty to preserve and pass on the spirit she left us: humility in the profession, respect for people, and the importance of fostering international relations,” Dr. Béla Merkely said. Afterwards, the rector lit a candle in memory of Dr. Anna Kádár, and all attendees observed a minute’s silence.
She was a brilliant teacher, a special mentor, an inspiring role model, and a leader who could motivate her staff; it is thanks to her and Professor Harry Jellinek that I became a vascular surgeon, said Dr. Péter Gloviczki, member of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation for National Health Care and Medical Education and Professor and Chair Emeritus of the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at the Mayo Clinic in the United States, recalling the influence of his former TDK (Students’ Scientific Association) thesis supervisor. According to him, Dr. Anna Kádár was a dominant personality radiating confidence and knowledge, who “tolerated little or no contradiction, and set high standards for herself and her students.” Their relationship lasted for decades, they co-authored a large number of publications, and became family friends. Dr. Anna Kádár was one of the outstanding leaders, international ambassadors, doctors, teachers, and scientists of Semmelweis University, Dr. Péter Gloviczki emphasized.
In his commemorative speech, Dr. József Mandl, Emeritus Professor of the Department of Molecular Biology, recalled the many different sides of Dr. Anna Kádár they had the opportunity to meet and get to know, illustrated with examples: “the self-confident authority radiating integrity and dignity; the dynamic leader; the attractive, beautiful lady; the caring boss; and the sensitive, vulnerable person with deep feelings.” He said that foreign-language education had made Semmelweis University the flagship of all Hungarian higher education, and Dr. Anna Kádár’s role in the organization of English-language education was unquestionable, especially because it was fundamentally different from the German-language education already in place at the time and its introduction had been preceded by a curriculum revision covering all subjects. Their friendship began during the time they worked together on the operative committee for English-language education, and Dr. József Mandl recalled their shared moments in his commemorative speech.
Dr. Péter Sótonyi, Emeritus Professor, former Rector, stressed how much he personally owed to Dr. Anna Kádár. In addition, praising her pathological research and achievements, he recalled that it was thanks to these that Dr. Anna Kádár organized the International Congress of the International Academy of Pathology (IAP) in Hungary in 1996, and the success of the event contributed to her later election as president of the organization.
She was a successful researcher, head of department, university professor, and university leader with extensive international contacts, under whose leadership our institute played a major role in a global WHO study on juvenile atherosclerosis, which eventually produced very significant results; yet I think she considered the launch of English-language education her greatest achievement, said Dr. Janina Kulka, Professor at the Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine.
Pathology is the science of sciences and the mainstay of clinicians, Dr. Anna Kádár once said, and I believe that those of us who work in a clinic still believe this today, emphasized Dr. Katalin Darvas, Professor Emerita of the Department of Surgery, Transplantation and Gastroenterology, in her commemorative speech.
Gallery
The commemoration concluded with a performance by Rebeka Pethő of the first movement of the Sonata in A minor for Solo Flute by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach.
Melinda Katalin Kiss
Translation: Dr. Balázs Csizmadia
Photos by Boglárka Zellei – Semmelweis University
