Zbigniew Kazimierz Lew-Starowicz entered the field of Polish medicine as a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and sexologist whose career spanned over five decades. Born in 1943 in Sieradz, he rose to prominence as a national consultant in sexology, eventually holding the title of professor of medical science before his death in Strzeniówka on 13 September 2024.
Academic and Professional Trajectory
Lew-Starowicz received his formal training at the Military Medical Academy and the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin. His academic achievements included obtaining a doctorate and a habilitation, culminating in a scientific professorship degree. Throughout his career, he maintained professional ties with the Centre of Medical Postgraduate Education and served at VIZJA University, formerly known as the University of Finance and Management in Warsaw. He was an active member of the Warsaw Scientific Society.
Clinical Practice and Controversies
His legacy in sexology was marked by significant clinical activity and public dispute. He practiced conversion therapy, a method that included administering electroshock treatments to individuals based on their sexual orientation. In 2015, he issued a formal apology to the gay community regarding these procedures. He faced additional criticism for his views on transgender issues and his public stance during the 2009 legal defense of Roman Polański, where he characterized the director as not being a pedophile while speculating on the involvement of the victim's mother.
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During the 1980s and 1990s, Lew-Starowicz generated widespread controversy regarding his theories on rape victims. In 1982, he suggested that approximately 30 percent of rapes were provoked by the victims. His 1992 comments elaborated on this perspective, claiming that women often behave recklessly or flirtatiously, thereby provoking aggressive behavior in men. These assertions drew intense scrutiny, as they were perceived to shift the culpability for sexual violence onto the individuals targeted by such crimes.
Awards and Recognition
The Polish state recognized his contributions to medical education and psychiatry through several honors. He was named a Knight of the Order of Polonia Restituta in 1997 and later elevated to Officer of the Order of Polonia Restituta in 2012. Additionally, he was a recipient of the Medal of the National Education Commission for his work in the academic sector.
Fast facts
- Born: 1943, Sieradz, Poland
- Died: 13 September 2024, Strzeniówka, Poland
- Education: Military Medical Academy, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin
- Key Fields: Psychiatry, Sexology, Psychotherapy
- Professional Membership: Warsaw Scientific Society
- Awards: Officer and Knight of the Order of Polonia Restituta
- Burial: Northern Communal Cemetery in Warsaw
Questions readers ask
What medical fields did Lew-Starowicz specialize in?
He was a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and sexologist.
Did he receive any state honors?
Yes, he was awarded the Knight's Cross and the Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta, as well as the Medal of the National Education Commission.
What was the nature of the 2015 apology?
He apologized to the gay community for his history of administering electroshock therapy as a method of attempting to cure homosexuality.
Achievements
- Officer of the Order of Polonia Restituta
- Knight of the Order of Polonia Restituta
- Medal of the National Education Commission
- Held posts at Centre of Medical Postgraduate Education
- Fields: psychiatry, sexology and non-fiction writer
