Raphael Acquaviva: The Forgotten Pioneer of Modern Neurosurgery in Morocco

Abstract

For the young generations, it is important to state the values that define and recognize the role of leaders and pioneers in neurosurgery, especially in developing countries. This subject seems often overlooked. In Morocco, the real birth of modern neurosurgery as an independent surgical specialty was undoubtedly made thanks to Doctor Raphael Acquaviva during the 1950s and 1960s, when he founded the first neurosurgical department in Casablanca. Acquaviva was born during the First World War in Corsica (France). After finishing his undergraduate medical training in Beirut (Lebanon) in the 1940s, he joined the Maurice Gaud Hospital in Casablanca (Morocco). In 1954, Acquaviva received his medical degree from the Faculty of Medicine of Paris (France) with a thesis on brain tuberculomas. In 1960, Acquaviva became the first chief of neurosurgery at Casablanca and he accepted to train the first team of Moroccan neurosurgeons. Although the resources were limited, Acquaviva's skills and knowledge enabled him to achieve admirable results at those times. He managed to provide numerous clinical, radiologic, surgical, and pathologic descriptions in various fields of neurosurgery, especially in central nervous system infections. He was an excellent operator, very talented organizer, and fluent speaker. Moreover, he was involved in medical publications and education in his host country. In this article, the author reviews Acquaviva's career trajectory in its historical context, highlighting its impact on modern neurosurgery in Morocco and abroad. This contribution could be a good start to collect information to preserve the national neurosurgical memory in many developing countries.

Keywords: Africa; Casablanca; History of medicine; Maroc; Morocco; Neurosurgery; Raphael Acquaviva.