Formation of the Chair of Neurosurgery of the Central Institute for Advanced Medical Education (1935–1941)

Aim. To determine major changes of postgraduate training in neurosurgery at Central Institute for Advanced Medical Training (CIAMT) from establishment of a Chair of Neurosurgery (1935) to evacuation from Moscow (October 15, 1941). Materials and methods. Collection, generalization, and analysis of archival materials from the Russian State Archive of Scientific and Engineering Documentation, the archives of Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education and N.N. Burdenko National Research Center of Neurosurgery were carried out. Results. CIAMT’s activity in training of neurosurgeons from 1935 to 1941 was analyzed. All events are viewed from the perspective of CIAMT formation as leading institution for postgraduate medical training in the Soviet Union, which is reflected annual reports, staff lists, protocols and transcripts of meetings, etc. The Chair of Neurosurgery of CIAMT was established in 1935. However, its activity began several years later, when first trainees specializing in neurosurgery emerged. The Chair worked in Moscow until October 15, 1941 when CIAMT was evacuated to Novosibirsk. The Chair was based at the Central Neurosurgery Institute. Staff members of Central Neurosurgery Institute were employed at the Chair on a part-time basis. Conclusion. The Chair of Neurosurgery began functioning in 1937, when courses of specialization in neurosurgery (mainly for general surgeons) started. Wartime events forced to restructure the work of CIAMT for intensive training of specialists during short-term courses.