Merwyn Bagan, the first neurosurgeon in Concord, New Hampshire, passed away on February 27, 2023, after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 87 years old. Born in 1936 to Frank and Shirley Bagan in Millville, New Jersey, Dr. Bagan led a distinguished career marked by numerous contributions to medicine, education, and community service.
After graduating from Dartmouth College and the Boston University School of Medicine, Dr. Bagan honed his surgical skills through advanced training at prestigious institutions, including the National Institutes of Health, Queen Square in London, and The Johns Hopkins Hospital. His dedication to public health led him to serve as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Public Health Service, where he worked at both the NIH and Walter Reed Hospitals.
In 1970, Dr. Bagan relocated to Concord, establishing his practice, Surgical Neurology P.A.. He dedicated himself to his patients, being on call every day for the first year. Under his leadership, the practice expanded, and by 1993, it included four neurosurgeons in Manchester. His tenure at Concord Hospital was marked by significant leadership roles, including Chief of Surgery and Medical Staff President.
Dr. Bagan’s influence extended beyond local boundaries. In 1993, he was elected President of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. He also served as an Overseer and Chairman of the Dean’s Advisory Board at Boston University. His commitment to patient care and medical ethics was evident in his roles with the New Hampshire Medical Society, where he served as President, and as a long-term chair of the New Hampshire Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association.
In 1995, Dr. Bagan’s career took an international turn when he and his wife, Carol Joseph Bagan, moved to Nepal to establish a neurosurgical training program at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. This initiative arose after he learned from a visiting surgeon that Nepal had only one neurosurgeon for its population of 23 million. His work in Nepal was recognized by the late King Birendra, who honored him with the Subrabal Gorkha Dakshina Bahu award.
Over the years, Dr. Bagan continued to support medical education and surgical practices in various regions, including Southeast Asia, South Central Africa, and Latin America, through his chairmanship of the Foundation for International Education in Neurological Surgery (FIENS). He also facilitated the donation of over $4 million worth of surgical supplies to underserved hospitals worldwide.
Beyond his medical accomplishments, Dr. Bagan was passionate about classical music, serving on the boards of the Granite State Symphony Orchestra and the Concord Community Concert Association. His dedication to his community was evident in his involvement with the Concord City Auditorium, where he played various roles for over 35 years, including President.
Dr. Bagan leaves behind a legacy of compassion, leadership, and a commitment to improving healthcare both locally and globally. He is survived by his wife, Carol, with whom he shared 61 years of marriage, as well as his three children and several grandchildren. His family plans to hold a Celebration of Life in early June, inspired by his fondness for ice cream socials at the City Auditorium.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations to the Abbot-Downing Historical Society or the Friends of The Audi. Dr. Bagan’s impact on medicine and his community will be remembered fondly by those who knew him.
