The Latvian Medical Foundation was established in 1990 in the United States, at a time when Latvia was regaining its independence and rebuilding its healthcare system. It happened after the First Latvian World Congress in Medicine in Riga, Latvia (1989). Medical institutions faced limited resources, outdated infrastructure, and restricted access to international professional development.

The founders – Kristaps and Bertrams Zarins believed that sustainable healthcare could only be achieved through education, professional exchange, and exposure to modern medical practice. Latvian physicians practicing in the United States recognized both the opportunity and responsibility to support their colleagues in Latvia during this critical period.

LMF was founded as a private non-profit organization with a clear mission: to support the development of healthcare, science, and medical education in Latvia. From its earliest years, the Foundation focused on scholarship programs, academic collaboration, and the creation of professional networks linking Latvia with leading medical institutions abroad.

The Foundation’s work has always relied on donations, volunteer engagement, and trusted partnerships. This model has ensured transparency, independence, and long-term impact. Over time, LMF has become a respected and reliable partner within Latvia’s medical and academic communities.

Professors Bertrams Zariņš and Kristaps Zariņš are the founders of the Latvian Medical Foundation. Both physicians built distinguished careers in the United States, earning recognition for their clinical, academic, and research contributions.

When Russia occupied Latvia in 1944, the Zariņš family fled as refugees and ended up in the USA, where both brothers received their education. Their professional experience in international medical environments highlighted the importance of access to modern education, advanced technologies, and global professional exchange. This understanding formed the basis for establishing a foundation dedicated to supporting the next generation of Latvian physicians,

From the outset, the founders emphasized that the Foundation’s work should focus on people—those who receive support and those who provide it. Mentorship, personal connections, and professional cooperation have become defining elements of LMF’s activities.

In 2025, Professors Bertrams and Kristaps Zariņš were awarded the Latvian President’s Certificate of Recognition, honoring their long-standing and selfless contribution to the advancement of Latvian medicine and society.

Building on more than three decades of experience, the Latvian Medical Foundation continues to look toward the future with a clear sense of purpose and responsibility. The Foundation remains committed to strengthening healthcare in Latvia through education, international collaboration, and long-term investment in people.

In the coming years, LMF plans to expand its scholarship programs, with increased focus on emerging medical fields, research, and digital health. Supporting young physicians in gaining international training remains a strategic priority, particularly through partnerships with leading medical institutions in the United States and Europe.

Humanitarian engagement will continue to be an integral part of the Foundation’s mission. Ongoing medical assistance to Ukraine reflects LMF’s commitment to professional solidarity and humanitarian values in times of crisis.

The strength of the Latvian Medical Foundation lies in the people who guide, support, and sustain its mission. The Foundation brings together physicians, academics, donors, and volunteers who share a commitment to healthcare, education, and service.

Members of the Board and advisory bodies provide strategic direction, governance, and oversight, ensuring transparency and long-term sustainability. Donors and supporters make it possible to fund scholarships, humanitarian initiatives, and collaborative projects.

Volunteers play a vital role in both organizational activities and humanitarian operations. Their dedication and expertise are essential to the Foundation’s ability to respond effectively to emerging needs.

The Latvian Medical Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to all donors, partners, and supporters whose generosity and trust have sustained the Foundation’s work over the years.