Nikolay Gavrilovich Fomichev. 10.05.1941–18.12.2021

Abstract

On November 18, 2021, an outstanding man passed away — Professor Nikolai Gavrilovich Fomichev, director of the Novosibirsk Research Institute named after Y.L. Tsivyan in 1986-2006.

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Nikolay Gavrilovich Fomichev

Nikolai Gavrilovich Fomichev was born on May 10, 1941, in the Maslyaninsky district of the Novosibirsk region. After graduating from high school, he continued his studies at the Novosibirsk Medical Institute. He continued his activities in the special residency in surgery after graduating. In 1967, he was enrolled in the personnel reserve for external relations of the USSR Ministry of Health and underwent postgraduate studies at the Department of General Surgery in 1967–1970. In 1971, N.G. Fomichev defended his Ph.D. thesis and performed his labor activities as an assistant at the Medical Institute from 1970 to 1979. He was an associate professor and at the same time worked as the dean of the pediatric faculty from 1979 until 1983. He was in the reserve of the Foreign Relations Department, both during 1974–1976 and 1983–1986; thus, he worked in the Republics of Tanzania and Ethiopia. Upon his return, he continued to work at the Institute. He was awarded the badge “Excellence in Health Care,” Honored Doctor of the Russian Federation.

Considering his extensive clinical experience and skills in organizing healthcare, in 1986, he was transferred to the Novosibirsk Scientific Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics as a director.

During the difficult years (the late 1980s and 1990s) in the country and the work of federal institutions, he managed not only to save the institution but also to give the institute new development vectors, create an able-bodied team, and optimize work both in operating rooms and in other institute services. Enormous efforts were made to strengthen the material base of the Institute. The vertebrological directions were developed, and the arthrological direction was formed.

Overstating the role of N.G. Fomichev in the creation of the Russian Association of Spine Surgeons, united the orthopedists and neurosurgeons and raised (this can already be said with good reason) the science in Russia to a fundamentally new level, is impossible. In 2004, the first issue of the journal “Khirurgiya pozvonochnika” was published, which he headed and was its supervisor for several years due to the initiative and efforts of Nikolai Gavrilovich. Now, it is an authoritative publication that is known and read worldwide. Due to the initiative of Fomichev, the Academic Council decided on the expediency and necessity of naming the institute after the great surgeon and scientist Ya.L. Tsivyan. Nikolai Gavrilovich Fomichev headed the Novosibirsk Scientific Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics for 20 years.

Having transferred the reins of power to the new director, he stayed at the institute, without which he could not imagine his life, and continued to actively and fruitfully work, being an example of what a person can achieve by faithfully and honestly serving his cause.

The memory of Nikolai Gavrilovich Fomichev, who was a radiant personality, talented organizer, and leader, will forever remain in the hearts of his relatives, friends, colleagues, students, and patients.

The staff of the Novosibirsk Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics named after Ya.L. Tsivyan