Transforming major invasive operations into laparoscopies, by developing microscopic cameras and other tools.

As a result, many surgeries are now done with small incisions.

Dr. George Berci, circa 1962 in Australia, holding a bronchoscope with a miniature camera, a device that he developed. His invention marked the beginning of video endoscopy. photo: generalsurgerynews.com

They are far less dangerous, less painful, less costly and often with much quicker recovery times, which makes Dr. B a hero to the world medical establishment.

But he was not always held in such high esteem.

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Hungarian born, in 1942 Dr. B and his family were forced into Nazi labor camps with other Jews. He nearly starved to death, and much of his family did not survive.

But in 1944, when his labor camp was put on a train for execution in Auschwitz, U.S. Airforce bombs caused the German guards to flee and he and the other prisoners escaped.

Dr. B began working with the Hungarian underground, putting his life at risk again, to create and distribute false IDs, helping other Jews to flee Nazi occupation.

After the war, being a talented violinist, he intended to become a musician, but his mother said, "You will be a doctor!" He did as his mother ordered, with incredible results.

Today, he continues to work a full-time schedule, currently focused on improving gall-bladder surgeries, and training the next generation of surgeons.

Dr. George Berci photo: latimes.com

And when he is not working, he enjoys the gym, the Lakers, and attending concerts where in his mind, he plays the violin to perfection.

Editor's Note: To learn more latimes.com/surgeon-george-berci-101-years-old, sages.org/george-berci-trials-triumphs-innovations/ and cedars-sinai.org/dr-george-berci-holocaust-survivor-and-surgical-pioneer.

Dr. B also had an important role in developing today's colonoscopies and endoscopies.

In the next KazanToday: A woman changing the world one cookie at a time.