In Memory of Dr. Izabela Kuprys‐Lipinska: A Pioneering Clinician, Scientist, and Beloved Friend
Authors: Marta Kolacinska‐Flont, Anna Elgalal, Maciej Kupczyk, Michał Panek, Katarzyna Jarmakowska, Joanna Molinska, Dorota Kierszniewska, Milena Sokolowska, Rafał Pawliczak, Tadeusz Pietras, Anna Zawodniak‐Gschwend, Wojciech Piotrowski, Jerzy Marczak, Paweł Górski, Anna Zalewska‐Janowska, Joanna Narbutt, Joanna Jerzynska, Joanna Makowska, Marcin Kurowski, Ilona Kurnatowska, Violetta Pietruszewska, Paweł Majak, Radoslaw Gawlik, Boleslaw Samolinski, Marek Kulus, Zbigniew Bartuzi, Anna Ben‐Drissi, Piotr Kuna
Journal: Allergy (2024)

The medical and scientific community is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Izabela Kuprys-Lipinska a trailblazing clinician and clinical scientist whose work in severe asthma, urticaria, allergen immunotherapy, hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) transformed countless lives. At just 53 years old, Iza leaves behind a profound legacy in the fields of allergy, pulmonology, and internal medicine along with an enduring memory of compassion, humility, and unwavering dedication to her patients, colleagues, and loved ones. Dr. Kuprys-Lipinska graduated with honors from the Medical University of Lodz, Poland after which she trained in internal medicine, allergology, and respiratory medicine. In all those fields, Dr. Kuprys-Lipinska became a specialist of exceptional breadth and depth, recognized across Poland and internationally for her expertise in managing complex cases of severe asthma, urticaria/angioedema, and eosinophilic disorders. Iza relentlessly broadened her deep knowledge of allergic inflammation mechanisms and ways to modulate it. She actively searched for new diagnostic modalities and novel therapies always keeping in mind their practical aspects as her goal was to bring relief efficiently to patients suffering from the most severe forms of allergy. She was among the first to introduce MART therapy in asthma, as well as cutting-edge biological treatments for severe asthma, chronic urticaria, HES, and EGPA, offering hope to patients who had struggled for years without relief. Dr. Kuprys-Lipinska collaborated closely with patients' societies guiding them in advocacy for making new therapies universally available. Her work on bringing recent advancements from bench to bedside laid the ground for creating one of the Poland's most esteemed centers for severe asthma diagnosis and management. Thanks to her perpetual commitment, this center has become a crucial resource both for patients and fellow doctors, bringing comprehensive support and emergency care to those in desperate need and immediate practical advice for doctors working outside academic settings struggling with difficult case management. Her commitment to her patients extended far beyond clinical practice. Dr. Kuprys-Lipinska spent countless hours on painstaking administrative work, tirelessly advocating for emergency treatments for patients from all over Poland and beyond. She took on the cases that others found too challenging, often intervening where traditional support had fallen short. Her expertise and dedication made her a trusted advocate, particularly for patients with the most complex needs. She was a highly esteemed expert always open to collaboration with other authorities in the field of research and educational programs as well as clinicians who just wished to consult their difficult cases. The request for advice has never gone unanswered on Iza's side. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Kuprys-Lipinska was a prolific academic, authoring numerous influential publications in allergy and respiratory medicine. She contributed to and led many clinical trials in severe asthma, chronic urticaria, and hypereosinophilic syndrome, advancing new standards of care. Her influence on the next generation of clinicians and scientists was immense—through her mentorship, she shaped careers and instilled a sense of compassion and excellence in those she trained across Poland and beyond. As a leading expert in the field of severe asthma and eosinophilic disorders, Dr. Kuprys-Lipinska served as an advisor for the Polish Health Technology Assessment. She was an active member of the Polish Society of Allergology, serving there on the Executive Board and as the Treasurer, European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and European Respiratory Society. Izabela was also the co-founder and head deputy of the UCARE center. Though highly accomplished, Iza remained humble, always prioritizing the growth and success of her peers and trainees. Her leadership style was one of quiet strength, marked by a deep commitment to lifting others and fostering a spirit of collaboration within her field. She was, above all, a dedicated mother to her two teenage daughters, who were the heart of her life. Despite her own health challenges, she cared for her aging parents with the same tireless devotion she showed in every other aspect of her life. Iza battled her illness with resilience, seeking out innovative therapies to extend her time with her family, patients, and friends. She was loved and respected by all who knew her, leaving behind a legacy not only of medical advancement but also of kindness, humility, and selfless service. Her passing leaves an unfillable void, yet her contributions live on in the lives she saved, the field she advanced, and the family and colleagues she inspired. Our thoughts are with her daughters and loved ones, who carry forward her memory and her profound impact on the world. May she rest in peace, knowing she changed the world for the better and will never be forgotten. The authors declare no conflicts of interest. Data sharing not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.