Krasimir Dimitrov Ivanov is a Bulgarian surgeon and oncologist, professor and rector of the Medical University "Prof. Dr. Paraskev Stoyanov" of Varna in the period 2012–2020. In the past, he was the executive director of St. Marina University Hospital of Varna (until 2010). Biography Krasimir Ivanov was born in Varna on March 10, 1960. He graduated from the Medical University of Varna. He specialised in surgery and oncology, gaining scientific degrees of Doctor (PhD), Doctor of Medical Sciences (DSc), along with an MS degree in economic management. In 2002, he earned the scientific degree of Associate Professor and, in 2009, was elected as a professor at the Department of General and Operative Surgery, Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Medical University of Varna. He was head of the department until his election as rector of the Medical University of Varna. During the period 2001 – 2010, Krasimir Ivanov held the position of executive director of St. Marina University Hospital of Varna; since 2010, he has occupied the position of chairman of the board of directors. He is a National Consultant in surgery (2012). Prof. Krasimir Ivanov is the 12th rector of the Medical University of Varna (first term in office started on March 19, 2012; second term in office started on March 14, 2016). During his term in office, the university has expanded with new affiliates, developed its structure with new research institutions and centres during his term in office. In 2020 he became President of the General Assembly of the Medical University of Varna. In May 2020, he was elected as the Chair of the Association of University Hospitals in Bulgaria (AUHRB). Career and research He is a specialist in visceral surgery, professor in abdominal surgery, practising surgeon-oncologist, an authority in rectal carcinoma diagnostics, and an expert in economic management. His research activities are focused on benign and malignant conditions of the gastrointestinal tract (surgical oncology), laparoscopic (or minimally invasive) surgery, telemedicine and telesurgery (surgical robotics). In 1996, he pioneered a new approach to rectal carcinoma diagnostics, i.e. three-dimensional evaluation of endorectal ultrasound by means of newly created software later implemented in the ultrasound. His academic career as a professor involves tutoring students, nurses and postgraduates, as well as research supervision of PhD students who pursue further in their scientific and professional calling. He is fluent in English and Russian. His research activities are represented by more than 350 publications; he