Park of the Greats

Dr MIODRAG LAZIĆ

(1955-2020)

"I leave with sadness and sorrow.
I am proud that I fought and shared good and evil
with the heroic people of Serbian Sarajevo.
I am sad and broken because of their tragedy."

Doctor Laza, the surgeon of the suffering Serbian people

Miodrag Lazić, a war surgeon and volunteer, a hero of our time, left an indelible mark in the world of medicine and in the hearts of the people of the Republic of Srpska. As a war surgeon and volunteer, he spent a year saving lives in the Republic of Serbian Krajina, and later, from 1992 to 1996, Lazić was among those who actively provided medical aid and saved lives in the Republic of Srpska. Memories of the difficult years and the suffering of the Serbian people were recorded in his work, "Diary of a War Surgeon".

He was born in 1955 in Zemun, where he completed primary school. His father, Dragić Lazić, who was an officer of the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA), was transferred to Niš. His father's family originates from the village of Pridjel Donji. Miodrag Lazić completed high school and medical studies in Niš. He specialized in surgery at the Military Medical Academy in Belgrade when he was in his thirties. After his specialization, he worked for a year at the Military Hospital in Niš and then got employed at the Surgical Clinic of the Clinical Center in Niš. After returning from Serbian Sarajevo to Niš in February 1996, Miodrag Lazić continued to work at the local Clinical Center. He became the head of Thoracic Surgery with Traumatology and the head of the Urgent Surgical Unit at the Clinical Center in Niš. In the war hospital Žica, Lazić performed over 3,500 surgical operations under general anesthesia, facing difficult conditions and challenges that were not easy to overcome. He was an expert in heart surgeries, but he also successfully performed all other procedures that were necessary at that time. He wrote 16 scientific papers and represented Serbian Sarajevo at three major international congresses.

Serbian Sarajevo, today's East Sarajevo, the city he loved and where his heroic deeds are still talked about and celebrated, was a witness to the strength and courage of a man who dedicated his life to humanity. In February 1996, Lazić left his beloved people and city, which, by the Dayton Agreement, became a part of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This change of borders left bitterness and sadness in Lazić's heart. He couldn't bear to witness the tragedy and exodus that the citizens of Serbian Sarajevo were experiencing again.

The "Diary of a War Surgeon" was published in 1996 and is known for its emotional power and authentic records of the suffering of a nation. This diary won the first prize at the International Book Fair "Initial" in Niš and became an excellent example of humanity and sacrifice in the field of medicine.

After a successful career in which he saved thousands of lives, including many Serbs from Sarajevo, Miodrag Lazić passed away on April 14, 2020. His noble heart couldn't bear it this time. He died due to complications from the coronavirus. Even posthumously, he remains a source of inspiration. His legacy is lasting and testifies to the greatness of his dedication and sacrifice.

Today, Miodrag Lazić's name proudly bears a square in East Ilidža, a Medical School, and a street in Niš.

He is survived by his wife Ana, daughter Nina, and son Peđa, along with their families.