VALERY IVANOVICH CHISSOV CELEBRATES HIS 85TH BIRTHDAY

On August 28, the legendary figure of Russian medicine, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Valery Ivanovich Chissov, celebrates his 85th birthday. For more than thirty years, he led the P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute.

This brilliant scientist, surgeon, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Oncologists of Russia (2002-2013), and Chief Oncologist of the Ministry of Health and Social Development (since 1982), is still thanked by thousands of saved patients and is respected and followed without question by hundreds of his students in the field of oncology.

Throughout his long career, Valery Ivanovich patented over 60 inventions, published more than 500 scientific papers that were recognized both in Russia and abroad, and mentored over 50 candidates and doctors of science. As his colleagues recall, Valery Ivanovich always prioritized the interests of the Institute and was known for keeping his word. His tenure coincided with a time of great discoveries and triumphs, but also with the challenging burden of healthcare reforms during the 1990s.

Valery Ivanovich Chissov began his work at P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute in 1978. He rose through the ranks from Head of the Department of Abdominal Oncology, Deputy Director for Scientific Work, to the Director of the Institute.

During Valery Ivanovich’s 31 years as director, much changed in the country. Colleagues remember times when there were shortages of supplies, medications, and equipment. Yet the Institute never ceased its work, continuing to save patients from serious illnesses. Both Valery Ivanovich and his colleagues placed great importance on the development and implementation of combined and sparing treatment methods that reduce the disability of cancer patients, the advancement of photodynamic therapy, and the development of intraoperative radiation therapy methods. Under Chissov’s initiative, a plan to create a pain relief service for cancer patients in Russia was proposed for the first time.

For many years, Valery Ivanovich headed the Department of Oncology at the Second Medical Institute named after N.I. Pirogov and the Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy at the Faculty of Postgraduate Professional Education of Sechenov University. He was also a member of the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences and the editor-in-chief of leading professional journals. He was twice a laureate of the State Prize and a recipient of numerous state awards, including the Orders of the “Badge of Honor,” “Order of Honor” for creating a scientific school and training scientific and practical personnel in the country, and two Orders “For Merit to the Fatherland.” In 1984, for his achievements in the development of healthcare and medical science, the P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute was awarded the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, the only Soviet order of its kind.

Even today, Valery Ivanovich continues to share his experience, knowledge, and wisdom as a great leader, remaining in the position of Advisor to the Director of the Institute. The General Director of the National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Dmitrievich, speaks with great respect about Valery Ivanovich: “The position of the head of one of the oldest oncological centers in the world, a flagship of Russian oncological science and practice, became a tremendous responsibility for me. Following such a giant as Academician Chissov, taking over the leadership of such a renowned team was an incredible test of strength. I am grateful to Valery Ivanovich for his human approach, wise and friendly advice, support, and guidance. To this day, he remains an undisputed authority among the academic community, a shining example of incredible dedication to his chosen field.”