Prof. Peter G. FEDOR-FREYBERGH, MD, DSc, Dr.h.c. mult.

Abstract

Our dear Professor, the Editor-in-Chief of Neuroendocrinology Letters (NEL) has left us. We, the Editors, Associated Editors and the Editorial Board continue our work without interruption and will follow the steps and traditions established by Professor Fedor-Freybergh, point to point, without exception. As it was, so will it be. On this sad occasion, we would like to reproduce some excerpts from an article published in Activitas Nervosa Superior Rediviva (ANSR), on the occasion of Professor Fedor-Freybergh's 80th birthday: "Let us to note - at least telegraphically - the profound milestones in his professional curriculum: Doctor of Medicine (1959); Doctor of Psychology (1965), Certificate in Psychiatry (1962) all 3 from Comenius University in Bratislava; Certificate in Pedopsychiatry (1965) and PhD in Psychiatry (1967) both from Charles University in Prague); Certificate and Doctorate in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (1977 Sweden); since 1968 appointments in Psychiatric Clinics in Austria, Switzerland, England, Sweden and Czech Republic; in 1974, he read the Introductory Lecture Psychotropic Action of Hormones at the 1st World Congress of Biological Psychiatry in Buenos Aires which significantly contributed to the global development of this discipline in both educational and scientific fields, Lecturer in Psycho-neuroendocrinology 1978 and in 1982 appointed the 1st University Professor in Europe in this field (University of Salzburg);. In 1978 Professor Fedor-Freybergh founded and Edited the peer reviewed International Journal of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Medicine; in 1986, he elevated the International Study-Group for Prenatal Psychology to transform into the International Society of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology & Medicine, in 1988, he published in English and German languages the world's first textbook Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology & Medicine; from 1983-1992 he served as Elected President of the International Society of Prenatal Psychology and Medicine and since 1992 as its Honorary Life President; in 1996, he won an audition for the post of Professor of Child Psychiatry at the 3rd Medical Faculty of Charles University in Prague which he held until 2004; in 1997 he became Director of the Institute of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology, Medicine and Social Work at the University of Health and Social Work of St. Elisabeth University in Bratislava, in 2009, the Rector of the University granted Prof. Fedor-Freybergh the title of Professor of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Medicine - the first such Professorship in the world". "As the Editor-in-Chief of ANSR [besides Neuroendocrinology Letters, Editors note], he became a member of the CIANS Executive Committee and actively participated in CIANS' international conferences and symposia. In recent years, his health has not allowed him to travel, but he has not stopped watching these events. In face-to-face meetings, we discussed much of the knowledge presented. Discussing with him was always a great experience. The dialogue gradually shifted from the professional level to cultural issues from literature, music, history and art to contemporary political aenigmas as well. He never imposed his opinion; he only said the reasons why he thinks it is so. Professor Fedor-Freybergh was a real gentleman who was always willing to help another. We bow to his life's work. We miss him deeply".