December 2007
Obituary Prof Dr Christian Lauritzen
6 December 1923 – 12 October 2007

An enthusiastic scientist and gynaecologist, our friend Christian LAURITZEN, left us forever. His life was full with dedicated clinical work, with innovative endocrinologic research and relentless activities in medical postgraduate training. We know him as the editor and author of many textbooks and papers, and last not least as a talented “Homme de lettres” in collecting gynaecological and endocrinological case studies in the contemporary literature. Among his wide ranging activities, he promoted paediatric and adolescent gynaecology in our country, and for this he deserves our very special thanks!

Professor Dr. Christian LAURITZEN served from 1984 to 1987 as President of the German “Arbeitsgemeinschaft Kinder- und Jugendgynäkologie e.V.”. With his distinguished personality, he led the emerging subspecialty to recognition and broader acceptance. His clear judgment and his imperturbable pursuit of the objectives of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft were invaluable. His wide knowledge and his many and diverse connections in the scientific world promoted our cause decisively. Together with his proxy Professor Dr. H. STOLECKE, Professor LAURITZEN actively shaped the sensitive borderline between gynaecologists and paediatricians and laid the foundation for the close cooperation of these two specialties in our country.

Beyond, Professor LAURITZEN served as President of the FIGIJ 1989 to 1995. His many contributions to the current literature and to conventions shaped the image of the federation and enriched its scientific substance.

Acknowledging his fundamental merits for the subspecialty, Professor LAURITZEN was elected honorary president of the Arbeitgemeinschaft Kinder- und Jugendgynäkologie. We hold his memory in high esteem, and we are full of gratitude for having had the privilege to work with him. We miss him very much, and we join his family in mourning.

Marlene Heinz
Judith Esser-Mittag
Society of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology, Germany
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