Merwyn Bagan, the first neurosurgeon in Concord, New Hampshire, passed away on February 27, 2023, at the age of 87 after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. His contributions to medicine and community service were significant, leaving a lasting legacy in both New Hampshire and Nepal.
Born in 1936 to Frank and Shirley Bagan in Millville, New Jersey, Merwyn pursued a distinguished medical career. After graduating from Dartmouth College and the Boston University School of Medicine, he completed his neurosurgical training at esteemed institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Queen Square in London, and The Johns Hopkins Hospital. He served as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Public Health Service at the NIH and Walter Reed Hospitals.
In 1970, Bagan moved to Concord, establishing his practice, Surgical Neurology P.A., and committed himself to his patients by being on call every day for the first year. Under his leadership, the practice expanded to four neurosurgeons by 1993. During his tenure, he held various leadership roles at Concord Hospital, including Chief of Surgery and Medical Staff President. He also served as President of the New Hampshire Medical Society and was elected President of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons in 1993.
In addition to his clinical work, Bagan was deeply involved in education and healthcare policy. He served as an Overseer and Chairman of the BU School of Medicine Dean’s Advisory Board and was a 14-year chairman of the New Hampshire Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association. His leadership extended to founding Healthsource New Hampshire, Inc. in 1985, where he served as President and Chairman until 1993.
Bagan’s humanitarian efforts took him beyond the United States. After completing a Master of Public Health at Boston University, he was inspired by a visiting Nepalese surgeon to establish a neurosurgical training program in Nepal. In January 1995, Merwyn and his wife, Carol, moved to Kathmandu, where they volunteered at the Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital. There, they established a neurosurgical ward and training program, which significantly improved local healthcare. His work earned him recognition from the late King Birendra of Nepal, who honored him with the Subrabal Gorkha Dakshina Bahu award.
Bagan continued to contribute to global health initiatives, serving as Chairman of the Foundation for International Education in Neurological Surgery (FIENS) from 2004 to 2013. He coordinated efforts to assist surgical units in Southeast Asia, South Central Africa, and Latin America, and facilitated the distribution of over $4 million in donated surgical supplies to developing countries.
His achievements garnered various accolades, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Boston University and the AANS Humanitarian Award. Beyond medicine, Bagan was passionate about classical music and historical preservation, participating in organizations like the Granite State Symphony Orchestra and the Concord Community Concert Association.
Merwyn Bagan is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carol Joseph Bagan, their children Seth (Amelie), Karin (Elliott), and Eric (Amy), along with several grandchildren. His sister, Bryna Bettigole, and sister-in-law, Gail Zierk, also mourn his loss.
A celebration of life will be held in early June, reflecting Merwyn’s wish for an ice cream social—a cherished event at the Concord City Auditorium. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations to the Abbot-Downing Historical Society or the Friends of The Audi, both located in Concord.
Merwyn Bagan’s dedication to medicine and humanity has left an indelible mark on the world, inspiring countless individuals in both his professional and personal life.
