Prof. Leszek Paradowski, former rector of Wrocław Medical University, has died. Funeral services begin Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026.
Death Announced
The University of Medicine in Wrocław announced the death of Prof. Leszek Paradowski, who served as rector from 1999 to 2005. Farewell ceremonies will commence 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 graduated from the Faculty of Medicine of the Medical Academy in Wrocław and was employed at the Department and Clinic of Gastroenterology from 1970, serving as its head from 1996 to 2016. He obtained a doctorate in medical sciences in 1978 and a habilitation doctorate in 1990. Between 1999 and 2005, he served as rector of the Wrocław Medical Academy, vice-chairman of the Conference of Rectors of Medical Universities, and a member of the Scientific Council at the Ministry of Health, serving on its presidium from 2002 to 2005. From 2001 to 2005, he was president of the Polish Gastroenterological Society.
Scientific Initiatives
As recalled by the University of Medicine in Wrocław, Prof. Leszek Paradowski initiated the establishment of the Alzheimer’s Center in Ścinawa and founded the Alzheimer’s Foundation supporting the center’s activities. He also initiated the establishment of 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.
Honors and Awards
Prof. Paradowski was frequently awarded for his scientific achievements. He was author or co-author of approximately 350 full-text works, academic textbooks, 241 abstracts, and conference communications. His main research topics were pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of digestive system diseases, particularly inflammatory bowel diseases and functional disorders. For his scientific achievements, he repeatedly received the Minister of Health Award. Furthermore, the professor was awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Rebirth of Poland, the Medal of the National Education Commission, the J. E. Purkynje Medal (Czech Medical Society award), the J. Mikulicz-Radecki Medal, and the Medal of the President of Wrocław. He was honored with the title Bene Meritus by the Polish Medical Society and the title Honorary Ambassador of Polish Congresses by Polish tourist organizations. In 2017, he received the prestigious OTIS Gold Award.