Shapiro Bernard (1888, Dvinsk — 31.12.1966, Jerusalem) — andrologist. Grew up in an Orthodox Jewish family; received a full Talmudic education until age 18. In the latter part of this period, studied at the Knesset Israel yeshiva in Slabodka (Kaunas). There he became acquainted with the Mussar doctrine, which influenced him for the rest of his life. The Rogachover Gaon I. Rosin supported his ambition to study medicine.

In 1913–19, studied medicine at the University of Zurich, then spent a year training at the dermatology department in Breslau (Silesia). His thesis topic at university was the connection between erythema nodosum and tuberculosis. After graduating, taught dermatology at the University of Breslau for two years. Then returned to Berlin, where he married and took a position at Magnus Hirschfeld's Institute for Sexual Science. Changed his specialisation from venereology to andrology, focusing on the treatment of underdeveloped male genitalia, premature ejaculation and impotence in general. In this context, researched the effects of the new drug pregormone and developed on its basis two new agents: testiforan and preyakulin. Was the first to describe the effect of gonadotropic hormone on the descent of undeveloped testicles. This treatment method remains effective to this day.

After Hitler came to power, Sh. and his family avoided persecution as Swiss citizens, but Sh. lost his job after the institute was looted. Opened an andrological practice in Zurich. What he witnessed in Germany prompted him to open in Switzerland a branch of Mizrahi, the spiritual centre of Zionism.

In 1940, left Europe and moved to the USA. After passing medical examinations in a foreign language, began practising as an andrologist. His practice was successful; he increasingly treated Jewish patients in accordance with Jewish law.

In 1951, moved to Jerusalem, founded and headed the endocrinology department at the university, where particular attention was given to andrology issues. Held this position until his death. On Sh.'s tombstone is written: “He was a student of Slabodka until the end of his life.”

V. Shaldova

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12703271?dopt=Abstract//