Albert vazgenovich papayan – outstanding scientist, pediatrician, teacher (towards 85th anniversary)

Full Text

Fig. 1. Albert Vasgenovich Papaian (04.02.1936–10.08.2002)

Рис. 1. Альберт Вазгенович Папаян (04.02.1936–10.08.2002)

 

February 4, 2021, marks the 85th birth anniversary of Albert Vazgenovich Papayan (1936–2002) (Fig. 1), an outstanding scientist, pediatrician, teacher, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, Head of the Department of Faculty Pediatrics (1974–2002), Dean of international students (1969–1985), Dean of the Faculty of advanced training for teachers (1986–1992), vice-rector for international relations (1999–2002) of the Leningrad Pediatric Medical Institute (LPMI), later St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical Academy (SPbSPMA), and President of the Interregional Public Organization (IPO)”Association of Pediatric Nephrologists of the North-West of Russia” (1996–2002) [2–11].

After graduating from LPMI, A.V. Papayan worked as a pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital in Syktyvkar, Komi, ASSR (1960–1963), then studied at the postgraduate course at the Department of Hospital Pediatrics at LPMI (1963–1966), headed by Professor Alexander Fedorovich Tur. A.V. Papayan successfully defended his thesis for the degree of Ph.D. in Medicine entitled, “Study of the coagulation and anticoagulation system of the blood in healthy children and those with certain blood system diseases” (1966), scientific advisers were Professor A.F. Tur and Ph.D. in Medicine M.A. Kotovshchikova. The Presidium of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences awarded him the Academician of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences Mikhail Stepanovich Maslov prize for this work.

In 1967, A.V. Papayan was elected as an assistant at the Department of Faculty Pediatrics at LPMI, headed by Professor Alexandra Antonovna Valentinovich, and in 1969, as Associate Professor.

The head of the department, Professor A.A. Valentinovich considered the young assistant, Ph.D. in Medicine, A.V. Papayan, as a great scientist, assessed the fundamental nature of his scientific research of blood coagulation and anticoagulation system in kidney diseases in children, and supported him in obtaining the degree of MD, Ph.D. (Fig. 2) [12]. Fundamental research has identified the priority of a new scientific direction in the study of hemostasis in kidney diseases in children, which was founded by Professor A.V. Papayan in Russian pediatrics [11, 13].

 

Fig. 2. A.V. Papayan — Assistent Professor, in the Сenter — Head of the Department of Faculty Pediatrics, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor A.A. Valentinovich, on the left — Professor of the Department of Hospital Pediatrics V.I. Kalinicheva (1973)

Рис. 2. А.В. Папаян — доцент, в центре — заведующая кафедрой факультетской педиатрии ЛПМИ, д-р мед. наук, профессор А.А. Валентинович, слева — профессор кафедры госпитальной педиатрии В.И. Калиничева (1973)

 

Since 1974, the Department of Faculty Pediatrics has been headed by MD, Ph.D. A.V. Papayan, a loyal student and successor of the scientific school of Academician of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences, A.F. Tur. Under the leadership of A.V. Papayan, the department, which carefully preserves the traditions of scientific, pedagogical, and clinical school of academician M.S. Maslov, has retained the status of one of the country’s leading pediatric departments for teaching the students and advanced training of teachers.

Professor A.V. Papayan generously passed his knowledge and extensive professional experience to students, residents, and graduate students. The power of the living word and deed of Professor A.V. Papayan led his disciples and followers. Lectures by Professor A.V. Papayan for students, doctors, and teachers were distinguished by scientific novelty, content, and oratorical skills, and brilliantly revealed the problems of theory and practice of pediatrics.

 

Fig. 3. A.V. Papayan speech at the meeting of the Rector’s Office dedicated to the training of foreign students. In the center, the rector of the LPMI, рrofessor G.A. Kaisaryants (1973)

Рис. 3. Выступление А.В. Папаяна на заседании ректората, посвященного обучению иностранных студентов. В центе — ректор ЛПМИ, профессор Г.А. Кайсарьянц (1973)

 

Professor A.V. Papayan headed the Dean’s office for international students (1969–1985) (Fig. 3), the Faculty of advanced training for teachers (1986–1992), and the pro-rector’s office for international relations (1999–2002) of LPMI/SPbSPMA. Associate Professor A.V. Papayan conducted the work with international students at a high organizational and methodological level. The study of tropical diseases with annual final student scientific conferences was introduced into the curriculum and research work of international students. An international student club was opened, which is now fruitfully working as the “Hippocrates” club, as initiated by A.V. Papayan [11]. Assistant of the Department of Faculty Pediatrics, G.T. Shchiritsa, said in her memoirs: “It should be noted that he had productive activities during the 17 years as the Dean of international students, who lovingly called him Papa Yan” [11]. A 1979 LPMI graduate, Chan Thi Hoa, from Vietnam wrote: “Dear Albert Vazgenovich! I remember you all the time, my respected, wonderful Dean, about my unforgettable teachers, and our beloved institute, especially the city of Leningrad, which has already become dear to me. All the time, I dream and am eager to return to Leningrad to continue my studies at the institute.” A.V. Papayan found time to answer letters from international graduates that he received after 1985, even when he was no longer the Dean of LPMI [11].

A.V. Papayan was awarded certificates of honor of the Ministry of Higher and Vocational Secondary Education of the USSR, the Ministry of Health of the USSR, and the Order of Friendship of Peoples for the successes achieved in organizing the work with international students (1983). As Dean of international students, Professor A.V. Papayan was awarded the Medal of the Mongolian People’s Republic “Leading Intellectuals” (1985) [11].

Professor A.V. Papayan performed a lot of consulting work in the clinics of LPMI/SPbSPMA, departments of Children’s City Hospitals No. 1, 2, and 5, and Children’s Multidisciplinary Sanatorium “Solnechnoye.” Clinical rounds by Professor A.V. Papayan taught pediatrics, medical duty and skill, and mercifulness to young doctors who enter the professional life. A.V. Papayan said: “In a person, I value his soul and ability to empathize with another person. You know, the rest of all qualities come and go. However, the human soul, its perception of the world is a capacious concept, especially compassion. Compassion for the patient is probably the most important criterion used to assess the doctor’s performance.”

The fame of the famous pediatric nephrologist A.V. Papayan extended all over the country, and patients came to the nephrology clinic due to his name (Fig. 4).

 

Fig. 4. A.V. Papayan is a doctor who has restored health to thousands of sick children

Рис. 4. А.В. Папаян — врач, вернувший здоровье тысячам больных детей

 

From 1974 to 2002, Professor A.V. Papayan was the chief freelance pediatric nephrologist in Leningrad/St. Petersburg [9, 10], wherein Professor A.V. Papayan developed the regulations and organizational chart of the pediatric nephrological service, providing for the phasing and continuity of all links, including a polyclinic, a specialized hospital, a sanatorium, and a hemodialysis department; the opening of a specialized pediatric nephrological clinic at LPMI (1974–1976) and a one-day day patient nephrological hospital (1987), one of the first in the country; defined the functional responsibilities of pediatric nephrologists at all levels of the nephrological service, introduced unified reporting on the statistical classification of diseases, injuries, and causes of death by the World Health Organization (1980) for nephrologists at polyclinics, hospitals, and sanatoriums; determined the hourly workload of nephrologists; organized the scientific and methodological council on nephrology at the main department of health care of Leningrad; and developed a program and technology for the accreditation of all links of the pediatric nephrological service (1995–1996).

In 1974, the first Faculty pediatric clinic was transformed into a specialized nephrological clinic. Under the guidance of Professor A.V. Papayan, the Department of Faculty Pediatrics and a specialized nephrological clinic have become a medical advisory and scientific coordination training center for pediatric nephrology [2–11]. At LPMI/SPbSPMA, Professor A.V. Papayan (1974–2002) created the country’s largest educational school in pediatric nephrology (primary specialization/professional retraining of pediatricians, advanced training courses, and clinical residency) [2–11]. Modern scientific pediatric nephrological school of the Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation and Academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, A.V. Papayan is recognized in Russia and other countries and was further developed under the guidance of the school successor, Professor N.D. Savenkova [9–13].

As the head of the department, Professor A.V. Papayan (1974–2002) simultaneously developed several scientific directions. Under his leadership, the Department of Faculty Pediatrics scientific research on topical problems of hematology was conducted in fruitful cooperation with the Blood Coagulation Laboratory of the Russian Research Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology, headed by Professor Z.D. Fedorova. In Russian pediatrics, A.V. Papayan was the founder of the scientific direction for the study of hemostasis disorders in kidney diseases in children. The study results of the role of vascular-platelet and plasma-coagulation links hemostasis in healthy and sick children with the hemolytic-uremic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, which solved the problem of pathogenesis in a new way and substantiate the anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy approach, are of priority and significant importance. The scientific school for the pathology of hemostasis in kidney diseases that was formed at the LPMI/SPbSPMA and the Leningrad Research Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, now the Russian Research Institute of Hematology and Transfusiology, is the leading one in Russia.

The research on the etiology and pathogenesis of toxicosis in young children should be noted, which successively continued the direction of the scientific school of Academician M.S. Maslov. The Head of the Department of Faculty Pediatrics of LPMI, Professor A.V. Papayan, and Ph.D. in Medicine, Associate Professor of the course of pediatric anesthesiology and resuscitation of the department of pediatric surgery, E.K. Tsybulkin, published the monograph “Acute toxicosis in early childhood” (1979), which outlines the evolution of ideas, etiology and pathogenesis, morphology, clinical manifestations and degree of toxicosis, principles of pathogenetic, and emergency treatment of acute toxicosis in young children. The book was translated into Bulgarian (1981) and was republished (1984) [2–11].

Since the establishment of LPMI and the Department of Faculty Pediatrics, Professor M.S. Maslov and colleagues published collections of “Nephropathy in childhood” (1935), “Nephropathy in childhood in the light of new research” (1935), chapters from the “Quick reference book of childhood diseases” (1933), manuals on pediatrics “Aspects of the genitourinary pathology” (1938), and “Kidney diseases in children” (1963) [2–11].

At the Department of Faculty Pediatrics, from 1940 to 2016, the staff completed and defended thesis papers in nephrology for the degree of MD, Ph.D., namely “On the peculiarities of fat-carbohydrate metabolism in nephropathies” by Associate Professor I.O. Fridman (1940); “Clinical presentation of nephritis in children” by Associate Professor A.A. Valentinovich (1965) with the scientific advice of Academician M.S. Maslov; “Intravascular coagulation in the pathogenesis of Kidney Disease in Children” (1974) by Associate Professor A.V. Papayan with the scientific advice of Academician A.F. Tur and professors A.V. Zinserling and Z.D. Fedorova; “Nephrotic syndrome in childhood: Etiological, clinical and morphological, diagnostic, therapeutic aspects, and classification issues” by Associate Professor N.D. Savenkova (1996) with the scientific advice of Professor A.V. Papayan; “Combination of ontogenetic and clinical methods of evolutionary physiology in the analysis of the mechanism of renal function regulation” by Associate Professor A.A. Kuznetsova (2006) with the scientific advice of Academician Yu.V. Natochin; “Tubulopathy with the leading syndrome of rickets, renal tubular acidosis, and alkalosis: Rare syndromes in children” by Associate Professor J.G. Leviashvili (2016) with the scientific advice of Professor N.D. Savenkova [2–11].

The priority field of the scientific school of A.V. Papayan was the study of topical issues of acute and chronic renal failure in children. Advances in the hemolytic-uremic syndrome investigation in children in the country are associated with the innovative works of A.V. Papayan (1969–1995), in which the role of intravascular coagulation in pathogenesis, age-related aspects of the etiological structure, and heterogeneity of typical and atypical variants were proven, as well as the development of classification, the diagnostics of hemostatic system disorders, and the strategy of anticoagulant therapy [2–11].

Fruitful long-term scientific cooperation of the Department of Faculty Pediatrics, headed by an outstanding pediatrician and Academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, A.V. Papayan, and the laboratory of kidney physiology and water-salt metabolism at the I.M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, the Russian Academy of Sciences, headed by an outstanding physiologist, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yu.V. Natochin, enriched the national science and practice with the release of monographs, scientific papers, and dissertations and determined the priority of the St. Petersburg school. In five dissertations, age-specific aspects of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium excretion, as well as acid–base state regulation under the influence of diuretics of various action mechanisms in healthy children and pediatric patients with kidney pathology at the age of 1–14 years were studied for the first time [3–11].

The study of the immunogenetic kidney disease aspects in children is one of the fields of the scientific school of Professor A.V. Papayan. Six thesis papers under the guidance of well-known scientists, Professors A.V. Papayan and L.D. Serova (1979–1995) presented the immunogenetic studies of antigens distribution of loci A, B, C, and D of the human leukocyte antigen system in glomerulonephritis, nephrotic syndrome, pyelonephritis, and bronchial asthma in children [3–12]. An extensive immunopathogenesis analysis, clinical presentation, and treatment of primary and secondary nephrotic syndrome, glomerulonephritis, and Schönlein–Henoch vasculitis in children is considered a priority scientific direction. Research conducted under the guidance of Professor A.V. Papayan was focused on the problems of congenital and hereditary kidney diseases, obstructive nephropathy, nocturnal enuresis, and pyelonephritis in children.

In seven dissertation studies, A.V. Papayan obtained new solutions to topical issues of respiratory diseases in children, which continued the school direction of Academician M.S. Maslov and his student Professor M.G. Chukhlovina.

Under the guidance of Professor A.V. Papayan, 62 thesis papers of a Ph.D. in Medicine and, with scientific advice and one thesis paper of an MD, Ph.D. were prepared and defended, of which 11 were performed by international graduate students). He is the author of over 400 scientific papers, including 14 monographs and chapters in 14 manuals. Several generations of students and pediatricians at LPMI/SPbSPMA were brought using his works.

The memories of colleagues and students recreate the bright image of the scientist, teacher, and clinician, A.V. Papayan. An outstanding scientist, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Yu.V. Natochin noted, “Albert Vazgenovich contributed to the preservation and development of the best traditions of clinical and scientific schools of the Pediatric Institute. He provided us with his works on pediatrics, nephrology, and hematology. Fate gave him the gift of a clinician, combined with true interest, sincere respect, and reverence for the high mission of science, the need to implement for the benefit of patients and students a close connection between fundamental science and clinical practice. A.V. Papayan was especially pleased with the success of clinical and physiological research, which ended not only with disease mechanism penetration but also with the emergence of new and effective treatment methods” [5, 11].

Rector of the SPbSPMA, Professor V.V. Levanovich wrote, “Mercy, medicine, and culture are synonyms, in a certain sense and are easily combined in one person, Albert Vazgenovich Papayan. My friend and teacher, Albert Vazgenovich Papayan possessed the divine gift of healing, the culture of scientific research, and inner magnetism, which attracted companions, students, and friends to him. Albert Vazgenovich kept an inextinguishable flame of memory of his teachers, took care of his students in a fatherly way, and disinterestedly provided them with help and support” [2–11].

Continuing the school of Professor I.N. Usov, a scientific associate of Professor A.V. Papayan, Academician of the National Academy of Sciences and Honored Scientist of the Republic of Belarus, A.V. Sukalo, in his speech at a conference dedicated to the memory of A.V. Papayan, noted, “The works of the outstanding Russian pediatrician, Professor A.V. Papayan, are widely known and are the reference books of Belarusian pediatricians. The name A.V. Papayan is inscribed with golden letters in the history of pediatric nephrology” [11].

Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation and President of the IPO Creative Association of Pediatric Nephrologists, Professor M.S. Ignatova, in her sincere speech in memorial of the 75th birthday of A.V. Papayan said, “Special attention should be paid to the scientific school of nephrology, which was created by Professor A.V. Papayan (St. Petersburg), who linked pediatric hematology and nephrology. Albert Vazgenovich did a lot for the development and establishment of pediatric nephrology in Russia” [11].

Professor G.M. Letifov, head of the department of pediatrics with the course of neonatology at the Faculty of advanced training and professional retraining of specialists of the Rostov State Medical University, emphasized, “Fate gave me an exceptional opportunity to get in touch with the source of knowledge while studying at the Pediatric nephrological school of St. Petersburg, created by the many years of efforts of the doctor, scientist, and teacher, A.V. Papayan. Having extensive life experience and deep scientific knowledge in various fields of medicine, A.V. foresaw the pathways and main directions of pediatric nephrology development. It is gratifying that the school of pediatric nephrologists created by him, nowadays, under the leadership of Professor N.D. Savenkova, continues the glorious traditions of the school, implements scientific research, and forms new priority areas. At congresses and symposia, A.V. Papayan always created a special atmosphere of light, friendliness, and mutual respect; for the pediatric nephrological community, he was an indisputable authority and source of knowledge. The inexhaustible talent of a scientist, teacher, doctor, a life-affirming position on many complex issues and, at the same time, the availability of communication are far from complete traits of the character of this amazing person, which I will keep in memory for many years” [11].

I, N. D. Savenkova, had the honor to be among the students and followers of the outstanding scientist, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, A.V. Papayan. The Pediatric School of Professor A.V. Papayan is not only professional but also a school of life. Many young hearts that enter the professional life of a doctor and scientist were warmed by his teaching talent. We are grateful to A.V. Papayan for the knowledge and experience that he generously gave to us, as well as kindness and attention, invaluable help in work, and a fatherly attitude. The blessed memory of a wonderful person, dear teacher A.V. Papayan, on whose shoulders we, students, have risen, will remain forever in our hearts [11].

A.V. Papayan, for many years, conducted extensive scientific and public work as a member of the All-Russian Problem Commission on Nephrology, a member of the problem commission “Kidney Disease in Children” of the Scientific Council of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, President of the “Association of Pediatric Nephrologists of North-West Russia” (1996–2002), member of the editorial board of the Great Medical Encyclopedia, the journals Rossiyskiy Vestnik perinatologii i pediatrii and Nefrologiya, member of the Presidium of the “Union of Pediatricians of Russia,” chief freelance pediatric nephrologist of Leningrad/St. Petersburg, and member of the specialized Academic Council for the defense of doctoral and candidate dissertations at SPbSPMA.

Professor A.V. Papayan was a member of international associations, The European Society for Pediatric Nephrology, The International Pediatric Nephrology Association, and The International Society for Nephrology, as well as a President of the IPO “Association of Pediatric Nephrologists of the North-West of Russia” (1996–2002). Disciples and followers and representatives of eight regions of the country established the IPO “Professor A.V. Papayan Association of Pediatric Nephrologists” (2003) and work fruitfully in it.

A.V. Papayan was an active participant and organizer of Russian and international congresses and scientific conferences, where he adequately represented Russian pediatrics and nephrology.

 

Fig. 5. Opening of the memorial plaque to Albert Vazgenovich Papayan – Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Head of the Department of Faculty Pediatrics of the LPMI/SPbGPMA

Рис. 5. Открытие мемориальной доски Альберту Вазгеновичу Папаяну — д-ру мед. наук, профессору, заведующему кафедрой факультетской педиатрии ЛПМИ/СПбГПМА

 

The merits of Professor A.V. Papayan in the development of Russian pediatrics and the training of scientific and practical personnel were highly appreciated. He was awarded the Order of Friendship of Peoples (1983), the titles Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation (1997), Corresponding Member (1996), and Academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences (1998), as well as the silver medal of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences “For the Development of Medicine and Health Care” (2001) [1, 2, 4, 7, 11]. On March 10, 2016, at the conference of pediatric nephrologists of Russia dedicated to World Kidney Day, Professor A.V. Papayan was posthumously awarded the Crystal Kidney in the Pioneer of Nephrology nomination for high professionalism and outstanding contribution to the organization and development of Russian pediatric nephrology [11].

On February 4, 2020, a significant event took place in the history of the university, namely the opening of a commemorative plaque to the Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Head of the Department of Faculty Pediatrics, A.V. Papayan, for whom pediatrics was not just a profession, but a life-long work (Fig. 5). The portrait of A.V. Papayan is placed in room 3 next to the portraits of prominent and respected scientists and clinicians who have made a great contribution to the development of LPMI/SPbSPMA.

The name of A.V. Papayan remained immortalized in his scientific works and related highly respected bibliographic publications. N.D. Savenkova wrote a book about the outstanding scientist, teacher, and pediatrician, Professor A.V. Papayan [11]. The bibliographic reference book “Prominent doctors and biologists of Armenian origin in St. Petersburg” [1], which was published by K.A. Vartanyan and A.L. Meruzhanyan, presents to the readers the outstanding scientists and brilliant educators who have created authoritative scientific and pedagogical schools and centers of practical health care in Russia, and whose names are inscribed in golden letters in the history of Russia and Armenia. Pages 184–185 of this book presented, “A.V. Papayan is an outstanding pediatrician and a scientist with a worldwide reputation. He is one of the icons of Russian pediatric science, creator of one of the leading scientific pediatric nephrological schools in Russia. Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, A.V. Papayan, made a significant contribution to science and higher medical education in Russia and Armenia” [1].

A.V. Papayan is an Armenian born in Georgia, who received higher medical education in pediatrics in Leningrad and faithfully served higher medical education, science, and health care at LPMI/SPbSPMA, Russian Federation.

A.V. Papayan, the head of the Department of Faculty Pediatrics at LPMI/SPbSPMA, went down in history as an outstanding scientist, the founder of the modern scientific pediatric nephrological school, a teacher who brought up several generations of pediatricians and scientific personnel, and a doctor who restored health to thousands of sick children. An outstanding scientist, pediatrician, teacher, and public figure, A.V. Papayan is the pride of Russian science, education, and healthcare.

The traditions of the scientific, educational, and clinical pediatric schools of the Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Professor A.V. Papayan, are carefully preserved and continued by his students and followers, as well as employees of the Department of Faculty Pediatrics of Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University.

About the authors

Dmitry O. Ivanov

Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation

Author for correspondence.
Email: doivanov@yandex.ru

MD, PhD, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor, Chef Neonatologist, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Head of the Department of Perinatology with Сourse of Neurology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rector University

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

Nadezhda D. Savenkova

Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation

Email: Savenkova.n.spb@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-9415-4785

MD, PhD, Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor, Head of the Department of Faculty Pediatrics

Russian Federation, Saint Petersburg

References

Supplementary files