In memoriam Jevgēnija Livdāne (25.06.1951–31.10.2024)

In 1975, Assoc. Prof. Livdāne graduated from the Riga Medical Institute (now - RSU) with a degree in paediatrics, and continued her education in clinical residency, followed by postgraduate studies in Moscow, where she obtained a PhD in Medical sciences. Her career began in 1980 at the Department of Childhood Diseases (later Paediatrics) of the Riga Medical Institute, where she started as an assistant and later became an assistant professor and eventually an associate professor. From 1998 to 2015, she was the vice-dean and then te dean of the RSU Faculty of Postgraduate Education (later – Continuing Education), making a significant contribution to the development of the Faculty and the expansion of study opportunities.

Assoc. Prof. Livdāne’s research has mainly focused on children’s health, including the habits of Latvian schoolchildren, compliance of the circulation of breast milk substitutes in Latvia with the international code, and breastfeeding.  Her research and publications contributed to the development of paediatrics in Latvia, making a significant investment to its knowledge and practice, which facilitated to the improvement of children's health.

Assoc. Prof. Livdāne was particularly notable for her selfless work at the Children's Clinical University Hospital, where she always cared for her young patients with love and professionalism while heading the General Paediatrics Clinic. In 2010, she received the Children's Clinical University Hospital’s highest award, the Andrejs Priedkalns Award, for her long-standing and selfless work, which acknowledged her great contribution to the research, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of childhood diseases. For her outstanding contribution to the development and improvement of education at RSU, the associate professor received the RSU Certificate of Appreciation in 2015.

Assoc. Prof. Livdāne was respected by her colleagues and students for her deep knowledge, warmth of heart, and selfless work. She was an inspiration to a new generation of doctors, teaching not only medical skills, but also humanity and care for patients.

We will always remember the work of Assoc. Prof. Jevgēnija Livdāne and her contribution to Latvian medicine and future generations of doctors. Her life is a story of selflessness, love and care for others – we will not forget her.