A Lifetime Dedicated to Medicine

In a world where age is often seen as a limitation, Alla Ilyinichna Levushkina has shattered all boundaries. At the age of 89, she still holds a scalpel in her hand, performing four surgeries a day at Ryazan City Hospital, Russia. Over the course of her 68-year career, she has saved countless lives and become a living symbol of perseverance and unwavering dedication.

Standing at only 150 cm (4ft 9in), Alla requires a special step to reach her patients in the operating theater, but her stature has never hindered her spirit. When asked why she has not retired, she simply and resolutely replies:
“If I stopped working, who would perform the surgeries?”

Passion for Medicine That Never Fades

Alla doesn’t consider being a doctor merely a profession; for her, it is a way of life. During her 30 years in the Russian air medical services, she treated patients living in remote wilderness areas, often under harsh and life-threatening conditions. Despite returning to Ryazan—the city where she grew up and studied—her zeal and drive remain undiminished.

“The operating room is where I feel most alive,” she shares. “I feel like a racehorse, filled with energy and focus every time I step into surgery.”

Defying the Limits of Age

Many patients initially feel apprehensive about being treated by an 89-year-old surgeon. However, Alla’s skill, precision, and calm demeanor quickly eliminate any doubt. A patient named Irina shared with Lite FM:
“At first, I couldn’t trust such an elderly surgeon, but after she palpated me with her firm, confident hands, all my doubts disappeared.”

Despite her age, Alla maintains remarkably steady hands, performing complex procedures that even younger surgeons admire. She also meticulously handles administrative tasks, ensuring every medical record and report is accurate and up-to-date.

Extraordinary Surgeries and an Inspiring Journey

Alla’s typical day begins early, preparing the operating room, scrubbing in, and sterilizing equipment. She performs four surgeries daily, ranging from minor operations to urgent, life-saving procedures.

What astonishes colleagues and patients alike is not just her decades of experience, but her unwavering enthusiasm. She continually motivates younger surgeons, emphasizing that the responsibility to save lives transcends age.

Perseverance and Patience

Alla describes herself as a “racehorse”—an apt metaphor for the surge of energy she experiences in the operating room. She constantly encounters skepticism from patients and their families due to her age, yet she remains calm, meticulous, and professional in all circumstances.

Even in the staff room, Alla is a vibrant presence, sharing stories, exchanging experiences, and providing guidance. Her presence reassures patients and inspires her colleagues to adopt her dedication and precision.

A Life Inextricably Linked to Surgery

To maintain her health and mental acuity, Alla follows a healthy diet, engages in light physical exercise, and nurtures a positive mindset. She believes that love for the medical profession and passion for saving lives are the keys to her continued energy and vitality, even at 89.

When asked about her most memorable achievements, she humbly replies:
“Every successful surgery is a life saved. I do not measure success by awards or recognition, but by the smiles and well-being of my patients.”

Impact and Legacy

Over 68 years of practice, Alla has not only saved thousands of lives but also become an inspiration for young doctors across Russia. Her story reminds everyone that age should never define one’s potential or limit one’s passion.

She actively mentors and trains new doctors, emphasizing the importance of responsibility, patience, and precision in surgery. Alla believes that a truly skilled doctor is not only technically proficient but also compassionate, attentive, and resilient in the face of challenges.

Lessons from a Remarkable Life

Alla Levushkina’s story is a testament to the power of passion and dedication. Despite facing the challenges of aging, health limitations, and the pressures of an intense profession, she continues to work tirelessly to save lives.

Her life teaches us that love for one’s work, perseverance, and commitment can overcome any barrier. The little girl who once dreamed of helping others through medicine has grown into a woman who refuses to live a lie, dedicating every day to the service of humanity.

Conclusion

Alla Levushkina, Russia’s oldest practicing surgeon, proves that age is just a number when passion and responsibility come first. With more than 10,000 surgeries performed, she has saved countless lives and left a legacy of dedication, perseverance, and service.

Her story is a powerful reminder that, regardless of age, commitment and love for one’s profession can triumph over every obstacle. Alla Levushkina is not just a surgeon; she is a symbol of resilience, inspiration, and the enduring human spirit.