RSU Prof. Haralds Plaudis receives the Pauls Stradiņš Award

The award winner Prof. Plaudis has been recognised in both medicine and science. He is a professor at the RSU Department of Surgery where he works in the field of student training and research, and has participated in various studies and projects related to clinical medicine as lead researcher.

‘Prof. Plaudis is a prominent surgeon, an innovator, a scientist, an educator. It has always been a pleasure to cooperate with Prof. Plaudis and he has always been professional and precise. His work for the benefit of human healthcare is truly significant,’ said Hosams Abu Meri, Minister of Health of the Republic of Latvia, in his congratulatory speech.

RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons presents the award to Prof. Haralds Plaudis

‘Surgery is a way of life, because a doctor lives not only his own life, but also the lives of his patients. Through the work he has put in on a daily basis, the award winner has proved that this is possible,’ said Ivars Kalviņš, President of the Latvian Academy of Sciences. In his academic speech, Prof. Plaudis described the various possible risks that can happen during a surgical manipulation and ways in which to prevent them, as well as expressed gratitude to his colleagues: ‘This award is not only for me, but also for my co-workers. If it were not for them and our clinic, it would not be possible to introduce new and innovative methods in surgery.’

Prof. Plaudis has been a member of the RAKUS Board since 4 January 2021, and his main duties include improving of the medical process and patient-oriented healthcare. He is actively involved in the strategic planning and development of modern health services, as well as in several research projects, including studies on the hepatobiliary system and the impact of COVID-19 on patients, and has developed innovative surgical techniques (e.g. the use of fluorescence technology in surgery). His research also includes improving enteral nutrition, treating severe acute pancreatitis and neuroendocrine tumours, as well as treating complex abdominal infections with modern techniques.

The work of Prof. Plaudis is a vivid example of how academic and practical achievements combine to continue the legacy of Prof. Pauls Stradiņš and strengthen the excellence of Latvian medicine.

The Pauls Stradiņš Award was established in 1983 to honour the outstanding surgeon and medical innovator Prof. Pauls Stradiņš (1896-1958). It is awarded for outstanding achievements in practical medicine and science, celebrating significant contributions to the development of Latvian and international medicine. The award consists of a statue with the symbol of Asclepius and a portrait of Prof. Pauls Stradiņš made by sculptor Jānis Strupulis. To date, 57 laureates have received the award, including such eminent personalities as Vilhelms Kaņeps, Jānis Stradiņš, Jānis Gardovskis and Pēteris Stradiņš.

Candidates are nominated by representatives of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Rīga Stradiņš University, and other major medical institutions. From 2025, the award will be presented by the Latvian Academy of Sciences and Rīga Stradiņš University.