Rather than find a new source of patronage and support (an essential requirement in Ukrainian society and known as ‘a roof over your head’) Igor proceeded to declare in public that Ukrainian neurosurgery was primitive and backward and that a revolution was required. Matters were not helped by the fact that a somewhat Byzantine struggle for succession to Academician Romadanov’s post was going on. The position came with important perks such as a large apartment and a chauffeur-driven car. Igor’s own boss had been hoping to get the job and his chances were not helped by Igor’s insubordination.
