Isa Ahunbaev Kyrgyz surgeon, founder of thoracic surgery in Kyrgyzstan Date of Birth: 25.09.1908 Country: Kyrgyzstan

1. Early Life and Education
2. Medical Career
3. Academic and Administrative Roles
4. Political and Social Activities
5. Medical Contributions
6. Tragic Death
7. Legacy

Early Life and Education

Isa Konoyevich Akhunbaev was born on September 25, 1908, in the village of Tur-Aygir (present-day Toru-Aygyr) on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. He spent his childhood in China with his parents, where he began working on a pasture at the age of 8. It was only at the age of 15, after returning home, that he began attending a rural school. He completed medical school and enrolled in the medical faculty of the Central Asian University in Tashkent in 1930, graduating in 1935.

Medical Career

From 1936 onwards, Akhunbaev worked as a surgeon at the Frunze City Hospital. In September 1941, he joined the Kyrgyz State Medical Institute. He initially served as an assistant in the department of general surgery, then as an associate professor, and eventually as head of the department, a position he held until his death. In 1948, Akhunbaev became the institute's rector and a professor.

Academic and Administrative Roles

Also in 1948, Akhunbaev became a corresponding member of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR and a member of the International Association of Surgeons. He played an active role in the establishment of the Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz SSR. In 1952, he became chairman of the presidium of the Kyrgyz branch of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR. From December 20, 1954, he served as the first president of the Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz SSR, a position he held until February 20, 1960.

Political and Social Activities

Between 1935 and 1939, Akhunbaev served as People's Commissar of Health of the Kyrgyz SSR. From 1943, he was a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU), and from 1949, a member of the Central Committee of the CPSU in Kyrgyzstan. He was a deputy of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th convocations, and a deputy of the Kyrgyz SSR for two convocations.

Medical Contributions

From 1961 onwards, Akhunbaev focused on surgical practice. His major works focused on endemic goiter, appendicitis in children, and echinococcosis. Akhunbaev was an editor of several medical journals, including Chest Surgery, Problems of Endocrinology, Circulation, and Health Care of Kyrgyzstan.

Tragic Death

Akhunbaev died in a car accident on January 5, 1975, along with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law.

Legacy

Akhunbaev was the founder of thoracic surgery in Kyrgyzstan and the first president of the Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz SSR. He authored over 110 medical works and over 100 works on social issues. He was awarded the Order of Lenin, the Order of the October Revolution, the Order of the Red Banner of Labor, three Orders of the Badge of Honor, numerous medals, and the title of "Honored Scientist of the Kyrgyz SSR" and "Honored Physician of the Kyrgyz SSR." In 2001, he was posthumously awarded the medal "For Outstanding Scientific Achievements in the 20th Century."