Merwyn Bagan, Concord’s first neurosurgeon, passed away on February 27, 2024, at The Birches after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 87 years old and left behind a legacy of medical excellence and humanitarian work that spanned decades.
Born in 1936 to Frank and Shirley Bagan in Millville, New Jersey, Merwyn had a multifaceted career that encompassed medicine, education, and community service. He graduated from Dartmouth College and the Boston University School of Medicine. His neurosurgical training took place at prestigious institutions, including the National Institutes of Health, Queen Square in London, and The Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Career Highlights and Community Impact
In 1970, Bagan moved to Concord, New Hampshire, where he established his practice, Surgical Neurology P.A. He dedicated himself to being on call every day for the first year, setting a high standard for patient care. By 1993, his practice had expanded to Manchester, employing four neurosurgeons. During his tenure, he served as Chief of Surgery at Concord Hospital and held various leadership positions, including Medical Staff President and Trustee.
His contributions to the field of neurosurgery were recognized nationally when he was elected President of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons in 1993. Additionally, he played a vital role at Boston University as an Overseer and Chairman of the Dean’s Advisory Board at the School of Medicine, influencing the next generation of medical professionals.
Humanitarian Efforts in Nepal
Bagan’s commitment to expanding neurosurgical care reached beyond the United States. In 1995, after completing a Master of Public Health at Boston University, he and his wife, Carol, moved to Kathmandu, Nepal. They volunteered at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, establishing a neurosurgical ward and a training program to address the country’s critical shortage of neurosurgeons. This initiative led to the training of two fully qualified Nepalese neurosurgeons by 2000.
For his efforts, Bagan was honored with the Subrabal Gorkha Dakshina Bahu award by the late King Birendra of Nepal. His work did not end there; he also served as Chairman of the Foundation for International Education in Neurological Surgery (FIENS) from 2004 to 2013, where he facilitated assistance to surgical units across Southeast Asia, South Central Africa, and Latin America.
Throughout his career, Bagan collected over $4 million in donated surgical supplies, significantly impacting neurosurgical care in developing countries.
Legacy and Community Contributions
Beyond his medical career, Bagan had a profound love for classical music, which led him to serve on the boards of the Granite State Symphony Orchestra and the Concord Community Concert Association. He actively contributed to the preservation of the Concord City Auditorium and participated in historical initiatives with the Abbot-Downing Historical Society, highlighting Concord’s industrial legacy.
Merwyn Bagan is survived by his devoted wife, Carol Joseph Bagan, whom he cherished for 72 years, their three children, and several grandchildren. A Celebration of Life is planned for early June, which he envisioned as an ice cream social, reflecting his vibrant spirit. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations to The Abbot-Downing Historical Society or The Friends of The Audi.
His remarkable life and contributions to healthcare and community service have left an indelible mark on the lives of many, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come.
