Mathematical Statistics in Medicine: Scientific and Academic Activities of Professor Jonas Sapagovas

Abstract

In 1959, the Rector of Kaunas Medical Institute (KMI), Zigmas Januškevičius, wanted to expand the application areas of formal sciences and to encourage the use of mathematical statistics methods in medical scientific research. He asked Vilnius University Academician, Professor Jonas Kubilius to recommend a promising graduate for work in KMI. In response, Professor Jonas Kubilius recommended the talented and enterprising young mathematician Jonas Sapagovas [1]. After graduating from the Faculty of Physics and Mathematics of Vilnius University, Jonas Sapagovas began working as a research associate in the Scientific Laboratory of Kaunas Medical Institute. He became the first graduate mathematician to systematically engage in the process of medical studies and science. In 1962, the professor started to work at the Department of Physics of KMI and became its head in 1979 [1]. He led the department successfully for many years, significantly contributing to its activities and development. The main scientific area of the Professor was the application of mathematical statistics in analyzing health data. Systematically collaborating with medics, he published more than 50 scientific publications and actively presented research results in conferences. The Professor was also a long-time member of the Lithuanian Mathematical Society and the Statistical Union. The Professor was an exceptional educator who put his heart and soul into teaching. He had the ability to explain complex mathematical theories clearly and understandably. The Professor taught courses such as Basics of Higher Mathematics and Probability Theory, Mathematical Statistics and Informatics to students of mostly all faculties of KMI (now Lithuanian University of Health Sciences). In addition to theoretical lectures, he always conducted seminars, during which students learned to practically apply the acquired knowledge in assessing the effectiveness of treatment methods and interpreting the results of scientific research. The Professor was a co-author of 6 methodological teaching books and two textbooks for students of higher education institutions. In addition to academic and scientific work, the Professor was actively involved in institutional life: he was a member of the Senate, a member of numerous dissertation defense committees, and was active in developing several study programs. On his initiative, the first IBM personal computer class was established at the university, intended for students’ practical work. This conference presentation is intended to honor the contribution of Professor Jonas Sapagovas in introducing mathematical statistical methods in medical studies and science in Lithuania.