Anastas Kocarev declared origin in Ohrid in his 1931 doctoral dissertation
His 1931 doctoral dissertation and other early-20th-century documents identify the oncologist as originating from Ohrid.
Documents shown at a recent event about the life and work of oncologist Anastas Kocarev include his 1931 doctoral dissertation, in which he identifies his origin as Ohrid, North Macedonia. Curators also displayed early-20th-century papers and scientific reviews that repeatedly describe him as Macedonian.
Career and ties to Marie Curie
Kocarev, a pioneering physician in radiotherapy and radiography, worked in Paris with Nobel laureate Marie Curie. His research focused on diagnosing and treating cancer patients through the medical application of radium, experiments that placed him among the early doctors to adopt radioactive therapies.
The newly exhibited material — doctoral records, published articles and additional artefacts — underlines both his medical contributions and his personal background. The 1931 dissertation is notable for the explicit statement of his birthplace and national origin.
Historians attending the presentation emphasized that archival sources from the beginning of the 20th century consistently refer to Kocarev’s Macedonian identity, and they argued these documents help clarify his biography for both scholars and the public.
Organizers said the display aims to bring renewed attention to Kocarev’s role in early radiological medicine and to preserve primary sources that connect his scientific work with his origins in Ohrid.
The materials will remain available for study, and researchers hope further archival work will surface additional documents about his practice and collaborations in Europe.
Photo: SDK.MK)
