This year, Excellence Award awarded by Hemofarm Foundation goes to prof. dr Lazar Davidović, vascular surgeon, dean of the Medical Faculty of Belgrade University and international member of the Russian Academy of Science. This award is given for the fourth time to the prominent individuals and institutions for their contribution to the development of healthcare, culture and education.

The Excellence Award of Hemofarm Foundation was awarded to prof. dr Davidović for his dedicated work with students, contribution to the scientific community and professional achievements, because he is known in domestic and international public as a doctor who introduced new procedures in surgery which have been accepted around the world. ’Prof. dr Davidović dedicated his whole professional life to the development of medical science and surgical doctrine in the field of vascular surgery. He is an exceptional professional with as many as 693 scientific papers and who is considered one of the most experienced surgeons in the field of abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery in the world”, it is noted in the explanation of the decision of the Foundation's Excellence Award Committee.

Among other things, during his career prof. dr Lazar Davidović developed Clinics of vascular and endovascular surgery which he has been heading successfully for years. He actively promoted our medicine through participation in the European Association of Cardiovascular and Endovascular Surgery that he presided in the period from 2016 to 2018. He complemented his academic work as a visiting professor at four European universities, while as a mentor, he decisively impacted the careers of 15 vascular surgeons.

„The COVID-19 virus pandemic demonstrated how important trust in medicine and scientific community is as well as investments in medical achievements. It is very important that science constantly follows trends and pushes boundaries, because only discoveries lead the world further. I thank Hemofarm Foundation for this prestigious award, it is a special honour to me, as well as additional responsibility to future generations“, said prof. dr Davidović when receiving the award.

CEO of Hemofarm, dr Ronald Seeliger presented the award to the laureate of Hemofarm Foundation. „Prof. dr Davidović is a pride of the society and scientific community. I am very happy for this opportunity to reward his contribution to the development of medical profession and science because hard times require people with integrity and our laureate certainly is such a person. In this period of crisis for the whole planet, the science was the one to provide a response to coronavirus and we must not forget that”, emphasized CEO of Hemofarm when presenting the award.

In addition to the statue in the shape of a crane, which symbolizes perseverance and longevity, the work of artist Aleksandar Vac, the Hemofarm Foundation's Excellence Award also includes a monetary part as an incentive for further development of projects and ideas. Since its founding in 1993, the Hemofarm Foundation has provided direct support to the health system of Serbia and the countries of the region, as well as numerous projects in the field of education and culture. It has the status of the leading foundation in the country and has carried out more than 2,200 activities worth about 13 million euros.