Varga Benedek szerk.: Orvostörténeti közlemények 149-157. (Budapest, 1996)

TANULMÁNYOK / ARTICLES - Huszár György: Balogh Károly professzor (1895—1973) életútja és iskolája. Születésének centenáriumára. Magyar és angol nyelven

The development of a school related to a medical person or institution depends on several factors. The most important among these is the example set by the individual in teaching and healing, and by the extraordinary human qualities to be emulated. The latter make him more appreciated in his lifetime but are forgotten many years after his death. Reminiscences which record the activity of outstanding scientific investigators mostly put emphasis on recorded or quotable results, such as publications, products of original work, foundation of institutions, etc. Personality and intellectual qualities are given lesser consideration, and these fade even more as the number of those who have personal memories diminishes with the passage of time. With this in mind, it is appropriate here to mention some features of Balogh's lifestyle, and a few of his human qualities. Characteristically, he did not smoke, almost never drank alcohol and only little coffee. Nevertheless, he was not ascetic; he appreciated good food and female beauty. It is typical of his habits that for decades he ate his lunch in the cafeteria of the clinic, welcoming the company of his medical and non-medical co-workers. He liked nature, made great walks, hunted (until 1944) and travelled (before World War II and after 1957). He was always simply but neatly dressed. He was always punctual, although he never owned a watch. He liked music and art, although he had no higher education in them. In his younger years, during his summer vacations, he sculpted in clay, making good busts. It was in his nature to resist the urge to retribute sometimes severe personal wrongs, even when the opportunity arose later. His door was always open, and not only metaphorically: After knocking, anybody could enter. He gladly gave advice and helped those who asked for it, be it co-worker, trainee, student, employee or patient. A not insignificant reason for the success of his work was that he liked to discuss emerging problems and tasks with his co-workers. A peculiarity of his was the short, almost epigrammatic characterization of the rules in the practice and teaching of dentistry. Such was his style in both speech and writing. An example from his publication Contemporary professional advice: "The personal requirements for good rapport with patients are: (1) professional knowledge; (2) patience and good bedside manners; (3) dexterity; (4) painless treatment. ' ' (30) As a person who loved science, Balogh appreciated the results and achievements of others; to the end of his life he was interested in new methods, techniques and major discoveries in science and technology. He was an avid reader. His capacity to work and the time he spent at the Clinic deserve special mention. He arrived early at work and left in the evening. Those who walked by the Clinic in the early evening hours, or Saturdays and Sundays, could see light in his room, indicating that the professor was still working. (39) Scientific work or public activity is usually recognized by titles, scientific degrees, honorary memberships, and medals. Balogh had been a recipient of all of these. In 1948, he was given the Golden Cross of Merit of the Republic. In 1952, he received the scientific degree, Doctor of Medical Sciences. In 1963, Balogh was the first recipient of the József Arkövy Medal, named in honor of the first professor of dentistry at the University. Balogh's scientific contributions were internationally recognized. The oldest society of natural sciences on the European continent, the Academia Leopoldina of Halle, Germany, elected him to membership. He was also an honorary member of the Austrian Society of Dentists. In 1963, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences distinguished him with its highest award; on his retirement he was given the Golden Medal of the Order of Meritorious Work. However, his aspiration to become a corresponding member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences was never realized. He had the scientific credentials, but he was "not a Party member". According to my information, Balogh had support from the University as well as from the Academy, but