When someone is truly passionate about their profession, it becomes nearly impossible to stop them—they keep learning, growing, and striving for excellence. Dr. Alla Ilyinichna Levushkina, a remarkable surgeon from Ryazan, embodied that spirit wholeheartedly.
Her story is deeply moving—she remained dedicated to her work, saving lives right up until her final days.
Born in Ryazan in 1927, Alla was raised by a teacher mother and a father who worked as a forester. It was her aunt, a physician, who sparked her interest in medicine.
Interestingly, Alla initially dreamed of becoming a geologist, drawn to the thrill of exploration and overcoming nature’s challenges. But her course changed entirely after reading Notes of a Doctor by Vikenty Veresaev. That book ignited her desire to pursue medicine. “A doctor’s profession requires constant learning and growth,” she once said.
Even during the hardships of wartime, Alla never gave up on her dream of becoming a surgeon. She went to Moscow to enroll in medical school but was initially denied due to not having a city residence permit. Instead, she enrolled in a teaching institute, but a year later, with some help, she finally got into medical school.
Her student days were tough. She often went hungry, surviving on minimal food. “Later things got a bit better—we could sometimes afford pies or sweets,” she recalled.
In her third year, Alla began assisting renowned surgeon Boris Petrovsky, who would later become Minister of Health. Due to her petite frame, she had to stand on a stool during surgeries—something she did her entire career. Her colleagues affectionately called the stool her “carriage,” announcing before procedures, “The carriage is ready!”
After graduation, she began practicing medicine in Tuva but later returned to Ryazan to work in air ambulance services. In one instance, she even had to reach a patient by crossing through a pack of wolves.
Later, she specialized in proctology—a field that was still new and unpopular at the time. Within four months, she became the only proctologist in the region and was instrumental in founding Ryazan’s first proctology department.
Dr. Levushkina devoted nearly 70 years to medicine. Tragically, she passed away in January 2020 at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment and compassion.
She wasn’t just a great doctor—she was a bright, inspiring, and endlessly dedicated human being. May her memory live on in the countless lives she touched.
