Dear EAES Family,
It is with great sadness that we announce the demise of Prof. Alberto Montori, EAES President 1999-2001.
A definition of a pioneer is “one of the first persons to explore new territory“ – this was Alberto Montori, who devoted his scientific and professional career to disseminate the culture of all endoscopic methods for diagnosis and therapy throughout the decades: in the early 70’s, flexible endoscopy; 20 years later, laparoscopic surgery and then all minimally invasive therapies.
In 1990, he was one of the founders of EAES and, consequently, of IFSES, together with his close friend Gerald Marks, a duo not only in academic and scientific contexts but also at family level.
In the following years, EAES grew thanks to the vision, determination and indefatigable energy of Jacques Périssat, Sir Alfred Cuschieri, Jean Mouiel and others. Among these giants, Alberto Montori represented the enthusiastic, positive, loving life element. Who can forget the outstanding 1998 World Congress he organised in Roma? And the 2000 EAES congress at the Cote d’Azur (Nice is NICE !) under his presidency?
His friendly and warm attitude characterised his presence in all EAES activities, always ready to encourage the new generations to actively participate and to bring ahead the flag of innovation.
“First of all, I want to thank you for the great job you are doing for EAES” was not a cliché or a formal introduction in all his intervention at our meetings and assemblies: it well represented his way to let us know his sincere appreciation and support to all board members coming after him.
In parallel to surgery, another passion filled his life: he was so proud and his eyes were glittering when he spoke about his beloved Pauline, Christine, Victoria and Jessica with their families.
We will miss his human touch and will always remember his smile.
Prof. Alberto Montori was born in Ascoli Piceno, Italy, in 1933. After earning his degree in Medicine at the University of Perugia in October 1962, he spent all his professional and academic life in Sapienza, Rome, becoming full professor in 1980 and Emeritus Professor of General Surgery.
Among his many honours, we want to highlight:
- FACS (hon) ISS/SIC (hon) ESGE (hon) SAGES (hon)
- President of SIED, SICE, ESGE, EAES, UEG
- EAES lifetime achievement award
- BERCI SAGES lifetime achievement award
Andrea Pietrabissa
President
Nicola Di Lorenzo
General Secretary
