It is with great sadness that we had to accept the news that Prof. Alexej Barg passed away over the Easter weekend at the age of 42. We are stunned, Prof. Alexej Barg, probably our most active foot surgery colleague with professional roots in Switzerland, has left us – torn from a fulfilling and exemplary career.
Prof. Alexej Barg was a genius. Parallel to his medical studies, he studied mathematics and statistics. He interrupted his training in orthopedics and traumatology at the Kantonsspital Liestal under the leadership of Prof. Beat Hintermann in order to devote more time to research as a research fellow in Salt Lake City (Utah, USA). At the end of his residency training, there were over 40 peer-reviewed publications on his account. Under the chairmanship of Prof. Victor Valderrabano, he initially worked as consultant and then as team-leader of Foot and Ankle Surgery at the University Hospital of Basel. He then followed the call to Salt Lake City, where he led the Foot and Ankle Unit under Prof. Charles Saltzman, first as an Assistant Professor and then as an Associate Professor. Two years ago, he followed the call of Prof. Karl-Heinz Frosch to the University of Hamburg, where he has been head of the Foot and Ankle department ever since.
Prof. Alexej Barg’s professional career was characterized by a boundless passion to always explore and learn more. Following his urge to know everything exactly, he got to know literature like no other. Everything that came out of his hands was always well documented and a guarantee of being accepted for publication. Prof. Alexej Barg always had an open ear when asked for advice or support. He has shared his knowledge with countless young colleagues. Many of us have benefited from his unparalleled helpfulness. His creative power seemed endless.
Prof. Alexej Barg has served as a faculty in numerous courses and congresses around the world. His name on the program has always been a promise to be up to date and learn from a gifted scientist and clinician. His way of teaching was always characterized by respect and a special sense of humor that expressed more than many words.
Prof. Alexej Barg had an exemplary international network. He leaves a huge gap beyond national borders. We will miss him as a fine friend and loyal colleague, as a gifted teacher and as a role model. We still can’t believe it!
Our thoughts are with his wife Kateryna, his family and his friends.
In mourning,
Beat Hinterman
Victor Valderrabano
Swiss Foot & Ankle Society SFAS