Per Bergsjö, in memoriam

Abstract

Professor Emeritus Per Bergsjö, a much esteemed Norwegian member of the Editorial Board of Acta, has quite unexpectedly left us at the age of 78 after several decades of service to our journal. He was for many years a prominent figure in Nordic obstetrics and gynecology in his capacities of scientist, clinician, teacher and author of textbooks, previous chief editorship and present associate editorship of Acta. After retirement from clinical commitments in the public health care system in Oslo and Bergen, he ran projects in Tanzania in the early 1990s under the auspices of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and left his position as chief editor of Acta. On his return from Africa to Norway he resumed his services to Acta as an associate editor. In his final years, he was also attached to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health as a visiting scientist. His very impressive and varied list of publications is a witness to his prevailing interest in the epidemiology of obstetrics and gynecology with recent papers on maternal mortality, birthweight and still births in the developing world, especially with a focus on East African conditions. Bergsjö's work in the Editorial Board of Acta was exemplary and dutiful and he was something of a role model for many co-editors. His distinct comments on issues of editorial policies were constructive, wise, well balanced and based on his long experience of being on the board. He never hesitated to debate questions which sometimes involved deviating opinions among board members, and he contributed with a sense of diplomacy to the consensus which was invariably reached in the final board decisions. He actively supported and encouraged authors of articles submitted from units in the developing countries and he contributed many times to optimize the scientific and linguistic standards of the papers allotted to him. As a rule, in the accompanying letter following the reviewing of a manuscript, Bergsjö gave polite and concrete hints regarding possible improvements and this was also true for manuscripts which had not fulfilled the standards for acceptance in the journal. Per Bergsjös command of English was widely recognized both in his work as an editor and in his extensive scientific and educational production. His ability to formulate his opinions eloquently was demonstrated in his numerous book reviews and editorials in Acta in which the well read and knowledgeable academic teacher provided his readers with educating and useful hints and views on the literature. A serial story which appeared during Per's time as chief editor, ‘Acta fifty years ago’ was highly appreciated by many. Per Bergsjö was highly respected by his Nordic colleagues. The Nordic Federation, NFOG, recognizes with gratitude his contributions to obstetrics and gynecology in the Nordic countries. His engagement in the developing world and his participation in the work around the 1997 FIGO congress in Copenhagen contributed to WHO's global aims being taken seriously in the Nordic countries. Many a lasting friendship was established between Per and his colleagues throughout the Nordic countries. Per possessed an enormous working capacity until the very end of his life and he had an ability to stimulate others to meaningful work. Health problems did not prevent him from fulfilling his tasks. He participated socially with delight and subtle humor. He wrote reports which were both astute and rich in substance in the journal of the Norwegian Medical Association on his experiences from work in sub-Saharan Africa. On reading such a report it becomes quite clear that Per's multifaceted working tasks and great engagement in women's health issues in the developing world gave him happiness and personal satisfaction. The possibility to have the opportunity for continuing post-retirement maturation and development professionally and personally was successfully managed by Per Bergsjö. Nordic obstetricians and gynecologists thank him for all that he has given during a long professional life! May his successors be inspired by him!