Prof. Leszek Paradowski, former rector of Wrocław Medical University and distinguished gastroenterologist, has died at age 80.
Death Announcement
Prof. Leszek Paradowski has passed away, according to an announcement by the Medical University in Wrocław, where he served as rector from 1999-2005. Farewell ceremonies will begin on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the church on Bujwida Street in Wrocław.
Academic Career
Prof. dr hab. Leszek Paradowski was born on January 27, 1946, in Leszno. He completed his medical studies at the Faculty of Medicine of the Medical Academy in Wrocław and joined the Department and Clinic of Gastroenterology in 1970, serving as its head from 1996 to 2016. He obtained his doctorate in medical sciences in 1978 and habilitation in 1990.
From 1999-2005, Paradowski served as Rector of the Medical Academy in Wrocław, Vice-Chairman of the Conference of Rectors of Medical Universities, and member of the Scientific Council at the Ministry of Health (2002-2005 as presidium member). He was President of the Polish Gastroenterological Society from 2001-2005.
Scientific Contributions
The Medical University in Wrocław recalls that Prof. Paradowski initiated the establishment of the Alzheimer’s Center in Ścinawa and founded the Alzheimer’s Foundation supporting its activities. He also established the Marshall and Warren medal, which became a prestigious international award for outstanding discoveries in digestive system microbiology, awarded by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Microbiology.
Awards and Recognition
Prof. Paradowski was repeatedly honored for his scientific achievements, receiving the Minister of Health Award multiple times. His awards included the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Rebirth of Poland, the Medal of the National Education Commission, the J.E. Purkyně Medal (Czech Medical Society), the J. Mikulicz-Radecki Medal, and the Medal of the President of Wrocław.
He was honored with the Bene Meritus title by the Polish Medical Society, the Honorary Ambassador of Polish Congresses title by Polish tourist organizations, and received the prestigious Złoty OTIS award in 2017. He authored or co-authored approximately 350 full-text works, academic textbooks, and 241 abstracts and conference reports focused on pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of digestive system diseases.