Andrzej Szczeklik

Andrzej Szczeklik

Andrzej Szczeklik in 2010
Name	Andrzej Szczeklik
Birth name
Birth date	(1938-06-29)29 June 1938
Birth place	Kraków, Poland
Death date	3 February 2012(2012-02-03) (aged 73)
Death place	Kraków, Poland
Alma mater
Occupation	Physician, Professor
Years active
Organization
Known for	Research in asthma, aspirin-induced asthma, and cardiology
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Andrzej Szczeklik (29 June 1938 – 3 February 2012) was a renowned Polish physician and researcher, known for his significant contributions to the fields of asthma, aspirin-induced asthma, and cardiology. He was a professor and head of the Department of Medicine at the Jagiellonian University Medical College in Kraków, Poland.

Early Life and Education

Andrzej Szczeklik was born in Kraków, Poland, into a family with a strong medical background. He pursued his medical studies at the Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest universities in the world, where he graduated with a degree in medicine in 1961. He furthered his education and training in various prestigious institutions across Europe, including the Karolinska Institute in Sweden and the University of Uppsala.

Career and Research

Szczeklik's career was marked by his dedication to both clinical practice and research. He became a professor at the Jagiellonian University Medical College, where he led the Department of Medicine. His research primarily focused on the mechanisms of asthma and aspirin-induced asthma, a condition where patients experience asthma symptoms after taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Aspirin-Induced Asthma

Szczeklik's work in aspirin-induced asthma was groundbreaking. He explored the biochemical pathways involved in this condition, particularly the role of leukotrienes, which are inflammatory mediators that contribute to the symptoms of asthma. His research helped in understanding the pathophysiology of aspirin-induced asthma and led to the development of new therapeutic approaches.

Cardiology

In addition to his work on asthma, Szczeklik made significant contributions to the field of cardiology. He studied the effects of various drugs on the cardiovascular system and was involved in research on the prevention and treatment of myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Publications and Awards

Szczeklik authored numerous scientific papers and books, contributing extensively to medical literature. His book "Catharsis: On the Art of Medicine" is a reflection on the practice of medicine, blending science with philosophy and art.

He received several prestigious awards for his contributions to medicine, including the Order of Polonia Restituta, one of Poland's highest honors.

Legacy

Andrzej Szczeklik is remembered as a pioneer in medical research and a dedicated educator. His work has had a lasting impact on the fields of asthma and cardiology, influencing both clinical practice and future research.

Also see

• Asthma
• Aspirin-induced asthma
• Cardiology
• Jagiellonian University
• Leukotrienes