An active surgeon at the age of 90, Alla Ilyinichna Levushkina is the world’s oldest practicing surgeon. She has been working as a doctor for the past 68 years and has conducted more than 10,000 surgeries with no fatalities so far.
Early Life and Inspiration
Born in Ryazan, Russia, Alla’s journey into medicine began with a simple inspiration — a novel about doctors she read during her teenage years. At a time when female doctors were rare in the Soviet Union, she worked tirelessly and earned her degree from the Moscow Medical Institut
A Life of Service
The first 30 years of her career were spent with air medical services, where she traveled to remote regions of Russia to treat patients who otherwise had no access to healthcare. Later, she returned to Ryazan, where she continues to serve her community with the same dedication.
Work and Philosophy
Dr. Levushkina has never married or had children, dedicating her entire life to medicine. Even at 90, her daily routine is remarkable:
- She consults patients in the morning from 8 to 11 AM.
- She spends the rest of the day conducting surgeries and attending follow-ups.
When asked about retirement, she simply said:
“It’s not a profession, it’s a way of life… Why else would a surgeon live, if not to work?”
Her passion has also been recognized — she has received the award for Best Doctor in Russia.
Life Beyond the Operating Room
At home, Dr. Levushkina looks after her specially-abled nephew and eight cats. She enjoys a simple, balanced lifestyle and believes in embracing life fully. When asked about the secret to her longevity, she laughed and replied:
“I eat everything, laugh and cry a lot.”
An Inspiring Legacy
With nearly seven decades in service and unmatched dedication, Alla Levushkina is more than a surgeon — she is an inspiration. Her story proves that passion, purpose, and compassion can keep us going far beyond what society expects.