The article analyzes the key milestones in the life and work of the great Soviet therapist and clinician V.H. Vasilenko. It is noted that a talented scientist, a faithful follower of F.G. Yanovsky and N.D. Strazhesko, V.H. Vasilenko, for more than 60 years, with his vigorous scientific and practical activities, brilliantly developed Soviet medicine, enriching it with both experimental and significant clinical experience. Vladimir Kharitonovich’s scientific works are diverse and are represented by diseases of the kidneys, respiratory organs, cardiovascular system, digestive tract organs, topical issues of propaedeutics of internal diseases, etc. In 1926, he brilliantly defended his PhD thesis on the topic “The clinical significance of aromatic compounds of blood and urine in kidney diseases”. It is shown that he first described (1931) the atrial tone of the heart and the syndrome of acute left atrial insufficiency in mitral cardiac stenosis. Of course, Academician of the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences V.Kh. Vasilenko remains a shining example for us, doctors, for our youth, who should draw on the wisdom of clinical thought and the experience of an outstanding Russian scientist of the XX century.

Keywords: pathology of the cardiovascular system and digestive tract, V.H. Vasilenko, scientific school, kidney diseases