“Professor Chirkov was not just an exceptional doctor but a visionary who revolutionized cardiac surgery in Bulgaria. He not only performed the country’s first heart transplant but also created a school of thought whose students continue saving lives to this day.” This was stated by Kristian Vigenin, Head of the Delegation of Bulgarian Socialists in the European Parliament, during a special screening of the documentary “Who Is Professor Chirkov?”, organized on his initiative. The event brought together politicians, medical professionals, students, and relatives of the renowned cardiac surgeon to honor his life and mission.

“Professor Chirkov’s legacy lives on in the people he trained and inspired. His students still apply his methods and carry on his work in the name of life,” Vigenin emphasized. He shared that he organized the event to highlight to a wider audience that Bulgaria is capable of producing such outstanding individuals and doctors. “The European Parliament is the right place to raise the issue of healthcare, and this way, our message can reach a broader circle of people,” he added. The idea for the initiative came after Vigenin met Prof. Chirkov’s son, Alessandro, who also welcomed the guests attending the screening. The Bulgarian MEP believes the event will have a positive impact on Bulgaria’s image in Europe. “The film shows that when a person has a true calling, they can achieve results despite the challenges,” he commented.