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Valdis ZatlersPresident of Latvia. Elected on May 31, 2007, took up his duties on July 8, 2007. By profession - orthopedic traumatologist
Date of Birth: 22.03.1955
Country:  Latvia |
Content:
Biography of Valdis Zatlers
Professional BackgroundValdis Zatlers, a trauma orthopedic specialist by profession, was elected as the 7th President of Latvia on May 31, 2007, and assumed office on July 8, 2007. He graduated from the Riga Medical Institute in 1979 and underwent a six-month internship at Yale University and Syracuse University in the United States in 1990-1991. Zatlers worked as a trauma orthopedic physician at the Second Riga Hospital from 1979 to 1985. He later became the head of the Traumatology Department from 1985 to 1994 and the Chairman of the Board of the Traumatology and Orthopedics Hospital from 1994 onwards. Zatlers also taught at the Stradina University in 2005 and founded the Latvian Arthroscopy Association. He served as the Vice President of the Latvian Orthopedic Association and participated in the activities of the Orthopedics and Traumatology Development Fund. Zatlers was awarded the Order of the Three Stars in 2007 for his contributions in the medical field.
Political Involvement
In addition to his medical career, Zatlers was briefly involved in politics. He became a member of the Latvian Popular Front in 1988-1989 and was one of the initiators of the Latvian Doctors' Society. Zatlers signed the manifesto of the People's Party in 1998. However, he distanced himself from politics after these involvements.
Presidential Election and Controversies
On May 22, 2007, the ruling coalition decided to nominate Valdis Zatlers as a candidate for the presidency of Latvia. His nomination was based on his high professional and social authority and his non-affiliation with any political party. During the pre-election period, Zatlers faced discussions regarding his acceptance of gifts from patients, which he claimed he did not demand. This practice was common among Latvian doctors and was not considered a criminal offense. Zatlers was elected as the President of Latvia on May 31, 2007, receiving support from 58 deputies of the Latvian Parliament.
Conclusion
Valdis Zatlers, a renowned trauma orthopedic specialist, served as the President of Latvia from 2007 to 2011. Throughout his career, he made significant contributions to the medical field and held leadership positions in various healthcare institutions. Despite his brief involvement in politics, Zatlers maintained his professional integrity and was recognized for his non-partisan approach during his presidential term.
