Historical record holders and surgical trailblazers
While a current, officially verified record holder for the world's oldest practicing surgeon is difficult to pinpoint, two individuals stand out in recent history for their dedication and longevity in the operating room.
Alla Ilyinichna Levushkina: A legendary Russian surgeon
Born in Russia, Alla Ilyinichna Levushkina became a global inspiration for her surgical career. She performed operations well into her 90s, continuing her work at Ryazan City Hospital near Moscow.
- Operated until age 92: She continued to practice up until her death in January 2020.
- Over 10,000 surgeries: Her lengthy career included more than 10,000 surgical procedures.
- Unwavering dedication: Famously, she stated that being a doctor wasn't just a profession but a lifestyle. This belief, combined with her reported zero-fatality record, solidified her legacy of competence and care.
Mambet Mamakeevich: A Kyrgyz record holder
From Kyrgyzstan, Mambet Mamakeevich held the Guinness World Record for the longest career as a male surgeon. As of February 2020, at 93 years old, he had logged over 67 years in the field and was reportedly still operating.
- Awarded for service: He received the prestigious title of Honorary Citizen of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan for his contributions to medicine.
- Still operating in his 90s: Reports from 2020 indicate he was still performing several surgeries a week.
- Vast experience: During his career, he performed over 30,000 surgical interventions and consulted with tens of thousands of patients.
Understanding the oldest 'doctor' vs. 'surgeon'
It's important to distinguish between the oldest practicing doctor and the oldest practicing surgeon, as the records are often confused.
Dr. Howard Tucker: The world's oldest practicing doctor
Dr. Howard Tucker, a neurologist from Cleveland, Ohio, holds the Guinness World Record for the world's oldest practicing doctor. He celebrated his 103rd birthday in July 2025. However, while he continues to teach and consult on medical-legal cases, he stopped seeing patients in 2022 and is not a practicing surgeon.
- A multi-faceted career: In addition to his long medical career, he also earned a law degree at age 67.
- Focus on teaching: His continued work primarily involves lecturing and sharing his vast knowledge with new generations of medical professionals.
- Retirement is 'the enemy': He views retirement as an enemy of longevity, advocating for continued mental stimulation.
The crucial distinction
While Dr. Tucker's longevity is impressive, the physical and mental demands of performing surgery are unique. Surgery requires specific physical dexterity, stamina, and precision that not all aging doctors can maintain, and it's this unique demand that makes the 'oldest practicing surgeon' title a separate, and often more debated, one.
Factors that enable surgical longevity
Surgeons who continue to practice at advanced ages often share a few common traits and advantages that allow them to overcome age-related challenges.
- Exceptional health: Many long-practicing surgeons maintain excellent physical and mental health, often through healthy lifestyle habits like exercise and stress management.
- Continued learning: The medical field evolves constantly. These surgeons remain mentally sharp by committing to a lifetime of learning and adapting to new techniques and technologies.
- Specialization changes: Some surgeons, as they age, may transition to less physically demanding specialties or roles, such as surgical consultation or oversight rather than direct, complex procedures. They may also perform fewer procedures to manage workload.
- Passion and purpose: A deep-seated passion for healing and a sense of purpose often drive these individuals to continue their work long after many would have retired.
- Strong support systems: A supportive team and hospital environment are critical for enabling senior surgeons to continue their practice safely and effectively.
The role of objective assessment
Because of the variable nature of aging, medical bodies like the American College of Surgeons do not support a mandatory retirement age for physicians. Instead, they advocate for objective performance assessments to ensure continued competence. Some hospitals have their own evaluation programs, such as Stanford Health's policy for physicians over 75, which mandates screenings every two years.
| Alla I. Levushkina | Mambet Mamakeevich | Dr. Howard Tucker | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Record/Claim | World's oldest practicing surgeon (historical) | Longest career as a male surgeon (Guinness) | World's oldest practicing doctor (Guinness) |
| Specialty | General Surgeon | General Surgeon | Neurologist |
| Age (at peak) | Operated at 92 | Operated at 93 | Still working at 103 |
| Status (as of 2025) | Deceased (Jan 2020) | Active status uncertain after 2020 | Active as a lecturer/consultant |
How the medical community supports aging physicians
Supporting the continued work of older, experienced doctors is a key concern for the healthcare industry. Many organizations and institutions are developing resources and best practices.
- Peer-based evaluation: Colleagues play a vital role in identifying any potential issues with an aging surgeon's performance, providing constructive feedback when needed.
- Adaptive roles: Offering alternative paths, such as moving from complex surgical lists to less demanding procedures, assisting in the operating room, or teaching, allows experienced surgeons to continue contributing their vast knowledge.
- Promoting well-being: Hospitals are increasingly focusing on the well-being of surgeons at all career stages, recognizing the high-stress nature of the job and offering support for mental and physical health. This can help extend careers sustainably.
- Continuous professional development: Encouraging and facilitating access to ongoing training helps older surgeons stay current with the latest techniques and technologies, ensuring their skills remain sharp and relevant. More information about maintaining a high level of surgical competence can be found through professional surgical organizations like the American College of Surgeons.
Conclusion
While the search for the single oldest practicing surgeon remains an elusive quest, the stories of Alla Ilyinichna Levushkina, Mambet Mamakeevich, and Dr. Howard Tucker highlight the incredible dedication and resilience possible in a medical career. These individuals demonstrate that age is not an automatic barrier to professional competence, particularly with a strong support system, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a deep-seated passion for the work. Their legacies continue to inspire and provoke important conversations about how best to assess and support experienced medical professionals as they age.
