Obituary: Carmen Vulpoi, Romanian Endocrinologist, 1956–2017

Carmen Vulpoi, MD, leader of Romanian Endocrinology, passed away Friday 22nd September 2017 at the age of 60, after a long illness. Professor in Endocrinology at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Gr.T.Popa" Iasi, she was president of the Romanian Society of Endocrinology, vice-chancellor and member of the doctoral school of the same university. A prominent personality of the Romanian school of endocrinology, with an unequaled mental energy and enthusiasm, student of well-known Eusebie Zbranca, Carmen Vulpoi was a great scientific leader. She graduated in 1985 (UMF "Gr.T.Popa" Iasi), started the specialization of endocrinology in 1988 and the university career in 1991. Her professional experience include among other 2 stages in France, as trainee in endocrinology in Grenoble (1994, Professor Ivan Bachelot) and as “chef de clinique assistant” in Tours (2001-2003, Prof. Pierre Lecomte), Germany (Freiburg, Munchen) and UK (Edinburgh & London).

Carmen Vulpoi was involved in many national professional bodies, secretary, vice-president and president elect being of the Romanian Endocrine Society; also president of the Romanian Thyroid Association. She was member of international endocrine societies: Society for Endocrinology, ESE, ESPE, ISE, and Endocrine Society. She was member in the editorial board and peer-reviewer of best quoted national journals (Journal of Medicine and Surgery, Acta Endocrinologica-Bucharest, Romanian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism). She is author of more than 200 peer-reviewed original papers, chapter of books, and editor of books.

She has formed generations of disciples, has created multiple axes of international collaboration, being permanently at the service of academic principles. She continued and wanted to participate to endocrine meeting in order to continue the collaboration and development of endocrine research, which even under the pressure of the disease wanted to fulfill them.

As a physician, she sought to help, heal, and relieve suffering. Beyond the refinement of modern medicine, she transmitted the art of words that alienate, which convinces and connects the patient with his doctor, giving confidence and hope.

As president of the Romanian Society of Endocrinology, she managed to gather specialists from the border areas, to put into practice bold ideas. She organized numerous scientific events in Romania, developed pre-congress educational events, and promoted the development of education in endocrinology in line with international development. Constructive spirit and eager for stability in a world that is overwhelmed, she has succeeded in bringing prosperity to Romanian Society of Endocrinology.

Beyond these important achievements, it is worth mentioning the people she has formed, starting on a beautiful and sometimes hard road, she taught them the principles and discipline of the profession, with tenacity, performance and brilliance. She spread the flame of knowledge around her, gave hope, and formed personalities.

She was knocked down after a long struggle she drove with dignity. Our dear Carmen will remain alive in our memory, those she has formed and those who have known her. We were lucky to have her close to us. In everything we are professional, Carmen is with us.