Kristian Vigenin: Prof. Chirkov made a revolution in cardiac surgery, and his students are still saving human lives today

„Professor Chirkov is not merely an exceptional doctor but a visionary who made a revolution in cardiac surgery in Bulgaria. He not only performed the first heart transplant in the country, but also created a school whose students are still saving human lives today.“ This was stated in Brussels by the head of the Delegation of the Bulgarian Socialists in the European Parliament Kristian Vigenin before the special screening of the documentary film „Who is Professor Chirkov?“, organised on his initiative. The event brought together politicians, medical specialists, students and people close to the eminent cardiac surgeon to honour his life and his mission.

„Professor Chirkov’s legacy is alive in the people he trained and inspired. His pupils apply his methods to this day and continue his work in the name of life,“ Vigenin pointed out. He said he had organised the event so that it could be heard before a wide audience that Bulgaria can produce such personalities and doctors. “The European Parliament is the place where the topic of healthcare is important, and in this way our messages can reach a wider circle of people”, he added. The idea for the initiative came after Vigenin met Prof. Chirkov’s son Alessandro, who also welcomed the guests in the hall who had come to watch the film. The Bulgarian MEP believes the event will have a positive effect on Bulgaria’s image in Europe. “The film will show that when a person has a calling, they can achieve results despite the difficulties“, he commented.