The National Medical Center Director General, Professor Istv�n Pr�da expresses his condolences on the death of Dr. Elemer Endroczi,  Professor of Laboratory Medicine.

Elemer Endroczi, MD, DSc. Distinguished Emeritus Professor at the Haynal University of Health Sciences, Budapest, Hungary, passed away August 17, 2006, seventeen days after his 79th birthday.

Elemer Endroczi was internationally known for his work in neuroendocrinology (hormones, brain and behavior) and in laboratory medicine (quality control, quality assessment and assurance in clinical pathology). In addition he gave professional guidance to majority of the faculty and assisted more than 80 per cent of the MDs at the University to obtain proper scientific qualification. Sixteen of his pupils are currently full professors and are holding important positions in Hungary and abroad.

Born on July 31, 1927, in Pecs, Hungary, got his MD degree at the School of Medicine, University of Pecs. As one of the best of his class, Professor Kalman Lissak, member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, chairman of the Department of Physiology, in 1947 invited Elemer Endroczi to join the Department as a student. He continued to work there until 1970, as Associate Professor.

In 1962 and later in 1964 he worked at the Department of Anatomy and BRI, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA, under the guidance of Dr. J. Hilliard and Professor Charles H. Sawyer. In 1970 he was invited by Professor Fortier at Laval University to lead one of his group in Quebec, Canada.

In 1971 he joined the Postgraduate Medical School, and established the Department of Clinical and Experimental Laboratory Medicine. Between 1974 and 1977, he was the Vice-Rector, and from 1977 until 1986 he was elected as Rector of the University. He served three terms, which is unprecedented in this country. He was holder of many awards and honors.

He was highly disciplined and had a tireless intellect. He was open-minded, inspiring, and honest, who improved the lives and career of his co-workers, colleagues and friends. He will be remembered as a modest man with outstanding achievements, as an amiable and faithful friend, a dedicated scientist and professor. He was truly a pioneer and leader of those times.

Elemer Endroczi is survived by his wife and two children.