BIOGRAPHY, MEDICAL PRACTICE, AND SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY OF THE VOLYN SURGEON WOLF SOKOLSKY (1920–2012)

Abstract

The article presents the key milestones in the life and career of the prominent surgeon, a disciple of Mykola Amosov, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Wolf Moiseiovych Sokolsky. The article analyzes Sokolsky's years of study at medical institutes and his professional formation as a surgeon. It pays particular attention to his personal contribution to the development of surgery and the establishment of medical institutions in Volyn Oblast. It examines Sokolsky’s scientific collaboration and communication with his teacher, the renowned Ukrainian surgeon Mykola Amosov. The article outlines Amosov’s role in Sokolsky’s scientific and professional advancement, as well as his assistance in equipping provincial hospitals, particularly in Volyn Oblast. In view of Sokolsky’s Jewish origin, the article addresses the accusations he faced during the Stalinist repressions in the so-called “Doctors’ Case” (1952–1953). The article explores Sokolsky’s research areas, in particular his study of thoracic surgery (chest surgery), abdominal surgery, and cardiac surgery. It highlights Sokolsky’s contribution to the study of chronic traumatic bursitis, an occupational disease affecting the knee and elbow joint capsules of miners. He proposed methods for preventing miners’ occupational diseases, including the development of special knee pads for work uniforms. The article presents new medical techniques developed by Sokolsky as a result of his research. It highlights the impact of Sokolsky’s medical achievements on enhancing the skills of his colleagues – junior and less experienced doctors of the Novovolynsk medical unit. It also sheds light on the personal and family life of Wolf Sokolsky.