On Wednesday, 26 March, the prestigious “Annual Medicine Award” ceremony was held at the Splendid Palace cinema – one of the most significant events in Latvia’s healthcare sector. During the ceremony, Grindeks presented its highest recognition – the D. H. Grindel Award – to Professor Ilze Konrade, Head of the Endocrinology Department at Rīgas Austrumu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca and Professor at Riga Stradiņš University, for her outstanding contribution to the development of Latvian medicine. The award was presented by Dr. chem. Juris Hmeļņickis, Chairman of the Board of Grindeks.
Kirovs Lipmans, Chairman of the Council of Grindeks:
“For 30 years, the D. H. Grindel Award has taken different forms, but its essence has remained unchanged – to express deep respect and recognition to medical and pharmaceutical professionals whose work truly changes lives. I am proud that Grindeks, as the main sponsor of the “Annual Medicine Award,” continues this tradition by honouring excellence in the field. Professor Ilze Konrade is a top-level professional – both in clinical work and in academia. Her knowledge, experience and dedication leave a lasting impact on the quality of healthcare in Latvia. At Grindeks, we strongly believe in close cooperation between pharmacy and medicine – a core value that ensures the sustainability of healthcare.”
Professor Ilze Konrade is a lecturer and professor at the Department of Internal Diseases at Riga Stradiņš University. She is also the Director of the “Healthcare” study programme and the “Medicine” sub-programme under the university’s doctoral department. Alongside her academic work, she leads the Endocrinology Department at Rīgas Austrumu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca. Professor Konrade is highly respected as both a physician and educator, and her contribution to improving patient care and educating future medical professionals is of great importance to the development of healthcare in Latvia.
The D. H. Grindel Award was designed by artist Anda Munkevica. The sculpture, titled “Hope”, symbolizes the harmony between strength and fragility – two essential qualities in healthcare. Grindeks, the leading pharmaceutical manufacturer in the Baltic States, has been the general sponsor of the “Annual Medicine Award” for many years.
About the Award
The D. H. Grindel Award is the highest professional honour in the fields of medicine and pharmacy in Latvia. It is named after Dāvids Hieronīms Grindel (1776–1836) – the first Latvian-born natural scientist, physician, pharmacist and professor. Established in 1995, the award has been granted to numerous distinguished figures in Latvian healthcare, including Prof. Dr. med. Andrejs Ērglis, Prof. Dr. med. Juris Pokrotnieks, Prof. Dr. med. Ināra Logina, Dr. med. Vilnis Dzērve-Tāluts, Dr. chem. Osvalds Pugovičs, Prof. Dr. habil. chem. Ivars Kalviņš, Dr. chem. Jānis Polis and many others.
