A life dedicated to veterinary medicine culminated in this very bust of Oskar-Röder. It stands here as a testament to his profound impact.
Let’s delve into the story of Gustav Wilhelm Oskar Röder. He was born on June 15 1862 in Johanngeorgenstadt. Röder passed away on February 13 1954 in Leipzig. His life was rich with academic and professional achievements.
Oskar-Röder studied at the Tierärztlichen Hochschule in Dresden. He also studied at the Tierärztlichen Ausbildungsstätte in Berlin. His education laid the groundwork for a distinguished career.
Röder’s professional journey included roles as a veterinarian in Dahlem. He served as a Bezirkstierarzt or district veterinarian in Grossenhain and Meissen. He earned a Dr. phil. and the title of Geh. Medizinalrat or Privy Medical Councillor.
From 1899 to 1923 Oskar-Röder was an ordinary professor at the Tierärztlichen Hochschule in Dresden. He then became an ordinary professor for veterinary surgery at the Veterinärmedizinische Fakultät of the Universität Leipzig from 1923 to 1930. Simultaneously he directed the Chirurgische Universitäts-Tierklinik or Surgical University Animal Clinic in Leipzig.
He served as Dekan or Dean of the Veterinärmedizinschen Fakultät of the Universität Leipzig from 1924 to 1925. From 1946 to 1950 Oskar-Röder returned as an ordinary professor for veterinary surgery. This time it was at the Veterinärmedizinische Fakultät of the Universität Leipzig. Furthermore from 1948 to 1950 he was Ordinarius for veterinary surgery. He again directed the Chirurgische Universitäts-Tierklinik in Leipzig.
Beyond his veterinary work Oskar-Röder was a Freemason. He was initiated on November 7 1895 into the Loge “Zum goldenen Apfel”. He held various positions including deputy secretary and master of the chair from 1908-1911. Röder also served as Landes-Grossmeister or Grand Master of the Gr. Landesloge of Saxony.
In 1919 the Oskar-Röder-Stiftung a foundation established in his honor by the brothers of the Loge “Zum goldenen Apfel” had grown to 15000 Mark.
Did you know Oskar-Röder also has a street named after him? In Dresden the Oskar-Röder-Straße was named in his honor on May 16 1956. This street leads to the Pferderennbahn or horse race track.
The Oskar-Röder bust serves as a reminder of his contributions to veterinary medicine. It also reminds us of his dedication to Freemasonry. It stands as a tribute to a life of learning service and leadership. The inscription reads Geheimer Medizinalrat OSKAR RÖDER * 5.6.1862 † 13.2.1954 Prof. Dr. med. vet., Dr. sc. nat., Dr. h. c. mult. Ordinarius für Veterinärchirurgie in Dreden u. Leipzig 1906–1930 u. 1945–1949. The bust was donated by Ursula and Heinz-Georg Klös.
Take a moment to appreciate the legacy of Oskar-Röder a man whose impact is still felt today. His work continues to inspire those in the field of veterinary medicine.