In memoriam Aivars Lejnieks (26 May 1957–14 October 2025)
Outstanding doctor, scientist, and mentor Professor Aivars Lejnieks passed away on the morning of 14 October this year.
We remember his invaluable contribution to the development of medicine and science in Latvia with deep respect and gratitude.
Prof. Lejnieks was an internist with a profound understanding of every patient – a charismatic doctor who inspired both patients and colleagues alike. Since 2001, he had headed the Department of Internal Medicine at Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), embodying humanity and wisdom in his work and passing these values on to many generations of doctors.
No less remarkable was the professor’s scientific contribution: more than 400 publications, 31 books, and five Latvian patents attest to his tireless dedication and impact on medical science. His research interests spanned a wide range of fields, with endocrinology particularly close to his heart, yet his curiosity and determination to find answers to unresolved questions also led to high-quality publications in cardiology, rheumatology, rare diseases, and the study of viral effects on human health.
Under Prof. Aivars Lejnieks’ supervision, 19 doctors of science earned their doctorates, and his guidance helped many others realise their scientific ambitions.
Since 2014, Prof. Lejnieks had been a full member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, generously sharing his expertise in medical history, endocrinology, and cardiology. Each of his lectures was unique – enriched by the depth of history, the breadth of human culture, and the brilliance of thought.
Prof. Lejnieks was actively involved in Latvian medical societies and associations. He served as Chairman of the Latvian Society of Internists and the Latvian Hypertension Society, was a board member of the Latvian Association of Endocrinologists, and held the position of Chief Specialist in Internal Medicine at the Ministry of Health.
Prof. Lejnieks received numerous awards for his work and contributions, including the Commemorative Medal for Participants of the Barricades (1991), a letter of appreciation from the Prime Minister of the Republic of Latvia for his significant contribution to the development of medical education and scientific literature, awards from RSU and the Latvian Medical Association, as well as the Professor Kristaps Rudzītis Award for outstanding and long-standing contributions to the development of internal medicine (2022) – an award that brought him genuine joy. The RSU Lifetime Achievement Award, received this autumn, served as a beautiful chord in the symphony of his life, filling him with satisfaction and pride in his accomplishments.
Prof. Lejnieks was known for his deep love of the arts – a passionate opera lover, an attentive and knowledgeable listener, and a wise, sincere conversationalist. He loved life, his work, and always knew how to give.
The light and warmth of Prof. Aivars Lejnieks continue to live on in everyone he inspired, taught, or healed — there are many of us, and this light will never fade.
