Doctor, scientist, and professor Aivars Leinieks has passed away, reported cardiologist Andris Skride.
He noted that Professor Leinieks was one of the cornerstones of modern Latvian medicine.
"His contribution to the development of medical education in Latvia, patient care, and the strengthening of public health is invaluable," wrote Skride.
Leinieks was the chairman of the council of the Riga East Clinical University Hospital (RAKUS), a chief specialist in internal medicine, and a professor. He was involved in the founding of the Association of Specialists in Rare Diseases.
According to information posted on the website of the Latvian Academy of Sciences, Leinieks graduated from the Riga Medical Institute in 1978, specializing as a therapist and endocrinologist. He obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1989.
He was the head of the Department of Internal Diseases at the Stradins University of Riga, a corresponding member, and a full member of the Latvian Academy of Sciences.
Professor Leinieks's research interests included: risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, their identification and possible prevention, arterial hypertension, metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, diabetes mellitus, calcium metabolism, vitamin D, osteoporosis, rare diseases, neuroendocrine tumors, and other areas.
