János Kamarás, 1916–2003

There are sad moments in our life, which cause us to refrain, for a minute or so, from our daily tasks. This happened to us when our beloved Teacher passed away, one who had always been a supportive boss, a stimulating man, and one on whom we could always rely.

With his loss, a charismatic person passed away who was known all over Europe. He had graduated as a medical doctor in 1941, becoming a paediatrician in 1946 after surviving the ravages of the Second World War.

He started his academic career at the First Paediatric Clinic of the Semmelweis University in Budapest. Later, in 1964, he continued his work in one of the largest paediatric hospitals in Budapest, after which, in 1967, he became one of the founding members of the Hungarian Institute of Cardiology. He worked there as a head of the Department of Paediatric Cardiology until 1984, the date of his retirement.

All the goals he targeted were completely achieved. He was the one who organized a network for paediatric cardiology in Hungary, which has proven remarkably effective in the recognition of children with congenital cardiac disease. He organized the timely transport of those thus diagnosed to the centre, where the potential for treatment was realised. This network is still operational, and is undoubtedly one of the most efficient in Europe. He was always the first to apply any new paediatric cardiological technique in our country. His efforts resulted in the establishment of a professional group of specialists, who were, and still are, friends.

He became a member of the Association for European Paediatric Cardiology in 1967, 4 years after it had been founded. He served on the Council, and became an Honorary Member. He belonged to the “big” generation. He organized the Annual General Meeting held in Budapest in 1978 with great success. All his friends from all over the world participated, and thus he was able to bring them to Hungary without regard to political considerations, at a time when this was not as easy as it is today.

He always shared his knowledge with his colleagues, searching out the possibilities for postgraduate training all over Europe. In his last years, he suffered from an incurable illness, but nobody ever heard any complaints. He had the physical strength and moral power to cope with his situation. His loss is especially painful for those who were lucky enough to enjoy not only his spirituality, but also his fantastic personality.

His whole life should be an example for all who are involved in paediatric cardiology today.