The article is dedicated to Karl Fuchs, a distinguished medical practitioner, scientist, public figure and professor within the Department of Therapy, Pathology, and Clinical Medicine, who served as both the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and the Rector of Imperial Kazan University. Born in Germany, Karl Fuchs committed his life’s work to the advancement of Kazan and well-being of its population. The central focus rests on the scientist’s character traits, ethical views and his contributions to the medical, educational, and public spheres. It is shown how eminent 19-century public figures in Kazan evaluated Karl Fuch’s life and work. The conclusions regarding the contemporary significance of his ethical principles are made.