Khnokh Lev (1911, Riga — 1984) — prominent surgeon, professor, Doctor of Medical Sciences. In 1929, graduated from the Landau Jewish Gymnasium. In 1929–35, studied at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Basel. On returning to Latvia in 1936, worked at the “Bikkur Holim” hospital, where he trained under the outstanding surgeon Professor V. Mintz. In Latvia, a holder of a foreign diploma had to also complete the University of Latvia, entering directly into the 5th year. He completed the University of Latvia in 1940. That same year, became an assistant at the department of hospital surgery at the 1st Riga City Clinical Hospital. During World War II, from 1941 until the defeat of the fascists, he was in the active army — in the Latvian Separate Rifle Regiment, then as chief surgeon of the medical sanitary battalion of the 308th Latvian Division. Awarded orders and medals. From 1946, staff member of the Riga Medical Institute; and from 1948 until his death his life was linked to the department of hospital surgery, where he advanced from assistant and associate professor to professor and head of department. Co-author of 2 monographs and author of over 90 scientific papers on current problems: surgery of the bile ducts, pancreas, stomach, intestines, lungs, treatment of pelvic fractures (candidate's dissertation), application of glucocorticosteroids (doctoral dissertation). Actively researched nitrofuran preparations synthesised at the Institute of Organic Synthesis of the Latvian SSR. In the mid-1960s, together with Prof. Burakovsky (Moscow), mastered and successfully performed a series of cardiac operations at the 1st Riga City Clinical Hospital; however, the Ministry of Health subsequently decided to transfer these operations to the Republican Hospital clinic. At that point, L. Khnokh declined a tempting offer to join the Moscow cardiac surgeons and move to work in Moscow at the Institute of Cardiology of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences. For many years he was a member of the editorial board of the journal “Khirurgiya,” and executive secretary of the Scientific Society of Surgeons of the Latvian SSR. Professor Khnokh paid great attention to training young surgeons — under his supervision 3 doctoral and 13 candidate dissertations were defended; many of his students became excellent practitioners. In 1934 and 1935, he was champion and runner-up respectively at the Swiss table tennis championship in the men's doubles.

Monographs: Ezerietis E., Hnohs L., Kalnbērzs V. Ķirurgiskās slimības. Riga, “Zvaigzne,” 1974, 495 pp. Ezerietis E., Hnohs L. Strutainā ķirurğija. Riga, “Zvaigzne,” 1979, 207 pp.