Theodoros Zaimis (1847-1922)

Theodoros Zaimis (1847–1922) was a significant figure in the fields of medicine and politics in 19th and early 20th century Greece. Born in Kerpini, Kalavryta, Zaimis came from a lesser-known branch of the renowned Zaimis family. He studied medicine in Austria and gained notable acclaim in the field of surgery. Upon returning to Greece, he worked in Patras as head of the surgical department for approximately 25 years, performing important and pioneering procedures, such as the first stomach ulcer surgery and the first laparotomy in Greece. In 1902, Zaimis was appointed professor at the surgical clinic of the University of Athens and later served as the university's rector from 1912 to 1913. In addition to his scientific career, Zaimis was also active in politics. In 1920, he was elected Member of Parliament and served as Minister of Religious Affairs and Public Education in various governments until 1922, when he passed away from cardiac arrest in Athens. He was buried in his family tomb at the First Cemetery of Athens, leaving a strong legacy in both the medical and political spheres of his time. Pictured: Letter from the Board of Directors of the Iraklis Gymnastics Club of Thessaloniki, dated March 1921, addressed to Theodoros Zaimis, Minister of Education. ©Iraklis New Gymnastics Club of Thessaloniki 1908.