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Authors & Experts

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VitaminExpress Editorial Team

At VitaminExpress, everything starts with expertise. Our team is made up of nutritionists, health specialists, and researchers who share one mission: to help people live healthier, more vibrant lives. Every product we create is the result of careful selection, thorough testing, and a deep commitment to quality. That means when you choose our supplements, you can trust they are natural, safe, and effective with no compromises.

Our work does not end with creating high-quality products. We believe knowledge is just as powerful as nutrition. This is why our experts dedicate their time to writing articles, answering questions, and sharing practical health insights on our website. From the latest research on vitamins and minerals to everyday wellness tips, our content is designed to guide and inspire you to make choices that support your long-term health and vitality.

We see health as a journey and we want to walk that path with you. We do this not only by offering supplements but also by being a trusted partner who brings clarity to a confusing market. With VitaminExpress you are not just buying a product. You are connecting with a team that cares about your well-being and works every day to give you the best possible foundation for a healthier life.

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Martin Nake

Martin Nake is the author of the book “Micronutrients for Performance-Oriented Athletes” and works as a guest author, copywriter, and journalist. He is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree and plans to subsequently familiarize himself with research and complete a doctorate. His goal is to help people lead healthy and self-determined lives through individual lifestyle and nutritional analyses.

In his free time, he is an avid climber and weightlifter, enjoys reading, and spends a lot of time in nature to balance his everyday work life.

Professional qualifications

  • Studies (Master of Science in preparation, intended field of study: Nutritional Sciences).
  • Professional experience as a copywriter and journalist for companies and private individuals.
  • Founder of Active Zone and the platform Allergiefrei Leben (Allergy-Free Living).

Publications / References

Main topics

  • Nutrition & dietary supplements
  • Sports & performance optimization
  • Prevention & health systems without excessive use of medication
  • Content creation in the health sector

Social media links & contact

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Dr. med. Helena Orfanos-Boeckel

Dr. Helena Orfanos-Boeckel is a board-certified specialist in internal medicine with a focus on nephrology and has been running her own private practice for holistic internal medicine in Berlin-Charlottenburg since 2002. She initially studied medicine for three years in Brussels (Université libre de Bruxelles) and subsequently in Berlin; she completed her residency (internal medicine, specializing in nephrology) at the Steglitz Clinic of the Free University of Berlin, now known as Charité – Campus Benjamin Franklin.

In her practice, she combines classical internal medicine diagnostics with modern concepts of orthomolecular and hormonal medicine, as well as methods of functional and mitochondrial medicine. In addition to her medical practice, she is committed to conveying medical and biochemical knowledge in an accessible way—through lectures, interviews, and her publications on nutritional and hormonal medicine.

Professional Qualifications

  • Board-certified specialist in Internal Medicine with a focus on Nephrology
  • Studied medicine in Brussels and Berlin
  • Specialist training at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
  • Has led her practice for holistic internal medicine and prevention in Berlin-Charlottenburg since 2002 (2002–June 2018: general practice and internal medicine practice covered by health insurance; since July 2018: private practice)
  • Areas of focus: Internal metabolic and preventive medicine, nutritional and hormonal medicine, functional medicine.
  • You can find more about Dr. Helena Orfanos-Boeckel’s professional background here: https://www.praxis-dr-orfanos.de/vita/

Publications / References

  • Book 1 (green): Nutrient Therapy. Orthomolecular Medicine & Bioidentical Hormones (TRIAS Verlag, 2022)
  • Book 2 blue/purple: Nutrient Therapy – The Practical Guide (TRIAS Verlag, 2023)
  • Interview:How seriously should a magnesium deficiency be taken, and what consequences can it have?”, VitaminExpress (2024)
  • Professional Article: “Hormone Replacement Therapy as the Key to Healthy Longevity – Experiences and a Plea”, Journal of Complementary Medicine (ZKM), 4/2025, 14–19, Thieme Publishing
  • Book 3 Orange: Nutrient & Hormone Therapy – The Prevention Guide (TRIAS Publishing, 2025)
  • Interview: “Healthy Aging – How Prevention Can Counteract the Natural Aging Process of Bones and Blood Vessels”, VitaminExpress (2026)
  • Further Publications: An overview of numerous professional articles on the topics of preventive medicine, hormone therapy, and holistic health can be found in the article archive of Dr. Orfanos-Boeckel.

Key Areas of Focus

  • Holistic Internal Medicine and Nephrology
  • Metabolic and Preventive Medicine
  • Nutrient and Hormone Medicine
  • Functional Medicine
  • Healthy Longevity Medicine

Social Media Links & Contact

Practice Website: www.praxis-dr-orfanos.de 

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Prof. Dr. Elmar Wienecke

Prof. Dr. Elmar Wienecke is a certified physical education teacher and holds a doctorate in sports science, which he earned at the German Sport University Cologne in the fields of sports medicine, cardiology, and exercise science. He worked as a soccer coach for many years—including as head coach of the second-division club 1. FC Schweinfurt 05 in 1990—before increasingly devoting himself to his scientific work.

In 1994, he founded the company SALUTO, which today is part of a center of excellence for micronutrient therapy and regulatory medicine. In 2013, he initiated the Foundation for Micronutrients – Prevention, Health, Quality of Life (SfMPGL). He is the initiator of the Master’s program in Micronutrient Therapy & Regulatory Medicine at the University of Applied Sciences for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (FHM) in Bielefeld, where he holds an endowed professorship in sports, nutrition, and regulatory medicine.

Through his research, he has built a database of over 60,000 evaluated cases, which serves as the basis for his analyses and recommendations in micronutrient medicine. For his groundbreaking contributions, he received, among other awards, the Innovation and Prevention Award from the Foundation for Health and the Environment (SfGU, Switzerland) in 2025 as well as the QS24 “Back to the Roots” Award in 2022. He is also active as Vice Chairman of the Westphalia Regional Group at the BDFL (Association of German Soccer Coaches).

Professional Qualifications

  • Certified Physical Education Teacher, Ph.D. in Sports Science (DSHS Cologne)
  • Bundesliga Soccer Coaching License since 1989
  • Founder and Managing Partner of SALUTO
  • Initiator and program director of the Master’s program in MMA Micronutrient Therapy & Regulatory Medicine at FHM Bielefeld
  • Holder of an endowed professorship in Sports, Nutrition & Regulatory Medicine at FHM
  • Senator in the German Health Senate of the German Oral Health Foundation 
  • Recipient of the Innovation and Prevention Award (SfGU) 2025, QS24 Award 2022
  • Operator of a micronutrient database with > 60,000 cases

Publications / References

  • Book: Performance Explosion in Sports (2010)
  • Book: Top Performance in Business and Sport (2014)
  • Book: Micronutrients – Milestones in Health Medicine (2021)
  • Scientific article: The Influence of Individualized Micronutrient Therapy with Special Consideration of the Biomarker a-MMP8 and Bioenergetic Parameters in Dental and Sports Medicine (2022)
  • Interview: “How Important Is Magnesium for Athletes?”, VitaminExpress (2025)
  • Presentations: International medical and sports conferences in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, among other locations
  • Interview: “Micronutrients and Energy: Prof. Dr. Elmar Wienecke on Performance, Stress, and Men’s Health”, VitaminExpress (13 March 2026)

Key Areas of Focus

  • Micronutrient Diagnostics & Therapy
  • Sports Nutrition & Performance Optimization
  • Regulatory Medicine & Prevention
  • Training and Kinesiology
  • Integrative Health Concepts

Social Media Links & Contact

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Herr Dr. & Frau Schmidt

Dr. Edmund Schmidt is a specialist in general medicine and runs a practice in Ottobrunn offering nutritional medicine, micronutrient/vital substance therapy, travel medicine (including yellow fever vaccinations), chiropractic therapy, and pain therapy, among other services.

Together with his wife, Nathalie Schmidt, a registered nurse, Reiki therapist, and coach, he has been working for many years on an interdisciplinary, patient-oriented, holistic approach to care.

The practice is listed on the FOCUS-Gesundheit medical portal as “recommended by the editors” (region: Munich district).

Professional qualifications

Dr. Edmund Schmidt

  • Specialist in general medicine (practice in Ottobrunn)
  • Range of services: Nutritional medicine, micronutrient/vital substance therapy, travel medicine (yellow fever vaccination center), chiropractic therapy, pain therapy

Nathalie Schmidt

  • Certified nurse, Reiki therapist, and coach/life counselor
  • Practice assistant; speaker on vital substances and holistic health

Publications/references

  • Book: Micronutrient Therapy (Urban & Fischer/Elsevier, 2022), ISBN 978-3-437-56541-0
  • Book: Basic Knowledge of Vital Substances. Fundamentals, Studies and Correlations (Schirner, 2015)
  • Book: Targeted Use of Vital Substances (Schirner, 2016)
  • Interview: “Nutrient Therapy with Magnesium”, VitaminExpress

Main topics

  • Micronutrients & nutritional medicine
  • Holistic & integrative general medicine
  • Travel medicine & vaccination advice (yellow fever vaccination center)
  • Chiropractic
  • Patient education, lectures & seminars
  • (Reiki & life coaching – Nathalie Schmidt)

Social media links & contact

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Uwe Schröder

Uwe Schröder has a degree in ecotrophology and is a certified nutritionist (VDOE). He studied ecotrophology, education, and sports science at Justus Liebig University in Giessen and completed his thesis at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. For many years, he has been working at the German Institute for Sports Nutrition (DiSE) in Bad Nauheim, where he is a member of the board. There, he combines scientific research, practical nutrition counseling, and public relations work.

In addition to his work at DiSE, Schröder is a lecturer in sports nutrition at various universities, including the University of Würzburg, the Münster University of Applied Sciences, and the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, and works as a consultant for sports associations. His main areas of focus are sports and performance nutrition, research into micronutrients and dietary supplements, nutrition education, and the design of practical training programs for coaches, nutritionists, and athletes.

Professional qualifications

  • Diploma in Ecotrophology (Justus Liebig University Giessen)
  • Diploma thesis at Maastricht University
  • Certificate “Nutritionist VDOE”
  • Board member and spokesperson for the German Institute for Sports Nutrition (Bad Nauheim)
  • Lecturer in sports nutrition (University of Würzburg, Münster University of Applied Sciences, Fresenius University of Applied Sciences)
  • Speaker and seminar leader in the field of management and behavioral training

Publications / References

  • Interview: “Dietary supplements for athletes” (VitaminExpress, 2025)
  • Technical articles & lectures: Sports nutrition, nutrient supply in competitive sports, supplementation & prevention
  • Co-author: Publications by the German Institute for Sports Nutrition on evidence-based sports nutrition and nutrient diagnostics

Main topics

  • Sports nutrition & performance physiology
  • Nutritional supplements in competitive and recreational sports
  • Micronutrient diagnostics & prevention
  • Nutritional counseling & coaching
  • Science communication & media relations

Social media links & contact

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Dr. Jochen Hoffmann

Dr. Jochen Hoffmann got his doctor degree in biology. He studied phytopathology and botany and immunology. Dr. Jochen Hoffmann finished his studies in 2003 at the University of Konstanz, in Germany.

When he was studying he learned more about plants. How they can help people feel better. He went on trips to the Lower Engadine in Switzerland and the Southern Alps in Slovenia, Austria and Italy to see the plants and animals. He wrote about what he saw on these trips like the kinds of plants and how they can help people. He also wrote about how nature can heal people. The plants and nature, in the Lower Engadine and the Southern Alps are very special. Have a lot of healing power.

He had some health issues and he tried changing his diet and using plants for medicine. This is how he found out that natural things can really affect our body and mind. He used this knowledge to create a way of thinking about health that includes ideas from Traditional European Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurveda and healing traditions, from Latin America and Africa.

The healing power of spices and herbs and plant extracts is what his work is about today. He takes this knowledge and mixes it with what science is saying now about the good things that plants and tiny nutrients can do for us. Then he puts all this together into things like tablets and capsules and liquids that help people feel better in their bodies and minds. He wants to help people, with spices and herbs and plant extracts.

Since 2004, Dr. Hoffmann has been contributing his expertise to the development of holistic and synergistic dietary supplements and natural cosmetic products. He is also responsible for the strict guidelines on clean labeling in accordance with internal purity requirements and compliance with European quality and legal requirements in product development.

Professional qualifications

  • Doctorate in phytopathology, botany, and immunology, University of Konstanz (2003)
  • Studied biology with a focus on plant sciences
  • Many years of experience in phytotherapeutic research and product development
  • Development of holistic dietary supplements since 2004
  • Responsible for purity and labeling guidelines in accordance with European standards

Scientific and practical focus

  • Phytotherapy & medicinal plant science
  • Micronutrient research
  • Nutrition & dietetics
  • Traditional medicine systems (TEM, TCM, Ayurveda, Latin American and African healing arts)
  • Natural cosmetics & plant-based active ingredient combinations

Publications / References

  • Excursion reports and essays on medicinal plants and biodiversity
  • Articles on topics related to herbal medicine, nutrition, and micronutrients
  • Contribution to product development in the field of naturopathy and dietary supplements
  • Technical articles and internal guidelines on purity standards and quality assurance

Key topics

  • Plant-based health & prevention
  • Medicinal plants and phytochemistry
  • Holistic nutrition and lifestyle concepts
  • Synergies between traditional medicine and modern science
  • Quality, purity, and sustainability in product development.

Contact

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Dr. Truls Marius Aarra

R&D Manager

Dr. Truls Marius Aarra is a specialist in plant-based biochemistry with a focus on how plant-based food molecules interact with the human gut. He completed his master's degree in biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of Bergen in 2003, where he specialized in the mechanisms by which plant molecules bind in the digestive tract, trigger immune responses, and promote health benefits.

With over 24 years of professional experience, Dr. Aarra brings in-depth scientific expertise to the Research and Quality Committee, particularly in the precise study of biochemical interactions between plant compounds, the gut, and the immune system. His work emphasizes the central role of bioactive plant compounds in modulating human health through their effects in the gut environment, which in turn influences immune function and overall well-being.

Dr. Aarra currently serves as R&D Manager at Vitality Nutritionals, where he contributes his expertise in plant-based research and product development.

Professional qualifications

  • Master's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bergen (2003)
  • Research focus: plant-based molecules and their binding mechanisms in the digestive tract
  • Specialization in biochemical interactions between plant nutrients, the gut, and the immune system
  • 24 years of professional experience in research, quality control, and scientific consulting
  • R&D Manager at Vitality Nutritionals
  • Member of scientific committees for the evaluation of plant-based ingredients and their health effects

Publications / References

  • Technical papers and articles on plant-based biochemistry, immunomodulation, and gut health
  • Studies on bioactive plant compounds and their role in supporting immune function
  • Scientific reports on the quality and efficacy of plant-based ingredients

Key topics

  • Plant biochemistry & nutrient interaction
  • Gut health & microbiome
  • Immunomodulation through bioactive plant compounds
  • Molecular mechanisms of plant-based active ingredients in the digestive system
  • Quality assessment of plant-based ingredients
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Kyra Kauffmann

Kyra Kauffmann, born in 1971, is a naturopath and author specializing in functional medicine and holistic approaches to complex diseases.

After studying economics at the University of Cologne, she spent several years in management positions in banking.

Her own experiences with burnout and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) led her to make a fundamental change of direction: as conventional therapies provided little relief, she began to intensively study naturopathic and functional therapy methods. These not only helped her to regain her own health, but also inspired her to train as a naturopath.

Since 2004, she has been running her own practice—first in Hofheim am Taunus and now in Düsseldorf—with the aim of identifying the causes of chronic diseases and treating them holistically. Her focus is on thyroid and adrenal gland disorders, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), celiac disease, mitochondrial dysfunction, hormonal balance, and chronic fatigue.

She is currently also studying human medicine and preparing for her second state examination—a step that will expand her naturopathic knowledge to include conventional medical perspectives.

In addition to her practice, Kyra Kauffmann shares her knowledge with a wide audience through books, seminars, and online courses. Her goal is to present scientific findings in an understandable way and encourage people to take active responsibility for their health.

Professional qualifications

  • Studied economics at the University of Cologne
  • Training as a naturopath (since 2004 in private practice; relocated to Düsseldorf in 2018)
  • Currently studying medicine and preparing for the second state examination
  • Focus areas: functional medicine, mitochondrial and cellular health, hormone balance, stress and burnout prevention, histamine intolerance and MCAS

Publications / References

  • Book author (selection):
    • Naturally High – Activating the Body's Happiness Hormones
    • The Histamine Fallacy
    • The Anti-Stress Diet
    • The Iodine Cookbook
    • Iodine – The Standard Work
  • Interview: “The Role of GABA in Naturopathy,” VitaminExpress, August 21, 2024
  • Regular lectures and seminars on functional medicine, stress management, and nutrition

Main topics

  • Functional and naturopathic medicine
  • Hormonal balance & stress regulation
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) & burnout prevention
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction & cell health
  • Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) & histamine intolerance
  • Cause-oriented diagnostics and therapy

Social media links & contact

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Dr. Bernd L. Fiebich

Dr. Bernd L. Fiebich is the managing director of VivaCell Biotechnology GmbH in Denzlingen. He studied biology at the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, specializing in genetics, developmental biology, and cell biology. His thesis dealt with paternal mutants of the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. As part of his doctoral studies at the Institute for Molecular Cell Biology (Gödecke / Parke-Davies AG), he investigated the expression of PKC isoforms and VEGF in baculovirus-infected cells. ⁠

Since the early 1990s, he has been conducting research on inflammatory processes in the nervous system and their significance for neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases at the Psychiatric University Hospital in Freiburg. He is co-founder and managing director of VivaCell Biotechnology GmbH (1999).

Professional qualifications

  • Diploma in biology, Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg
  • Doctorate at the Institute for Molecular Cell Biology (Gödecke / Parke-Davies AG)
  • Head of the Neurochemistry and Neuroimmunology research group at the Psychiatric University Hospital Freiburg
  • Co-founder and CEO of VivaCell Biotechnology GmbH
  • Member of GEBIN, Neuroscience Society (NWG), ISN, and the Neuroinflammation Working Group (USA), among others

Publications / References

  • Author of over 240 peer-reviewed scientific publications in the fields of neuroinflammation, immunology, and neurobiology
  • h-index: 76 (Source: Google Scholar, as of March 2026)
  • Main areas of research: Neuroinflammation, Alzheimer's and dementia, psychoneuroendocrinology, cellular signal transduction, dietary supplements, phytomedicine, and natural substances
  • Interview: “The role of folic acid in inflammatory processes,” VitaminExpress (2025)
  • Interview: "What nourishes our brain: Dr. Bernd L. Fiebich on nutrition, micronutrients, and mental performance," VitaminExpress (March 9, 2026)

Key topics

  • Neuroinflammation & neuroimmunology
  • Molecular and cellular neurobiology
  • Alzheimer's & neurodegenerative diseases
  • Phytomedicine & natural substances for inflammation and pain
  • Psychoneuroendocrinology
  • Nutrition and healthy aging

Social media links & contact

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Prof. Dr. med. Ekkehard Schleußner

Prof. Dr. med. Ekkehard Schleußner is a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology and serves as director of the Department of Obstetrics at Jena University Hospital (UKJ). He has extensive clinical expertise in the field of high-risk pregnancies and miscarriage prevention. After completing his studies at the Charité in Berlin (1981–1987) and earning his doctorate at the Institute for Experimental Endocrinology there (1986), he specialized in gynecological endocrinology, reproductive medicine, and perinatal medicine in Dresden and Jena (1995–1997 and 1997–2004).

Following his habilitation in 2004, he accepted a professorship in obstetrics at the University of Jena in 2005. Among his outstanding scientific contributions is his leadership of the multicenter ETHIG-II study on anticoagulation (dalteparin) in recurrent miscarriages, which was published in the renowned Annals of Internal Medicine.

Prof. Schleußner serves as a board member and president in various national scientific societies and conducts intensive research on placental physiology as well as modern influences on perinatal development, such as the effects of the climate crisis on pregnancy.

Professional Qualifications

  • University Professor of Obstetrics
  • Director of the Department of Obstetrics, Jena University Hospital
  • Board-certified specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Focus / Subspecialization: Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine
  • Focus / Subspecialization: Specialized Obstetrics and Perinatal Medicine
  • Board member and president of several national scientific societies
  • Member of the Thuringian State Medical Association (Committees: Hospital Planning, Continuing Education, Quality Assurance)
  • Editorial board member for the national health initiative “Healthy Around Birth”

Publications / References

  • Study: Anticoagulation with Dalteparin in Recurrent Miscarriages (Annals of Internal Medicine)
  • Book / Editor: The Placenta (with Huppertz et al.)
  • Current Article: Effects of the Climate Crisis on Pregnancy and Child Health (2025, Gynecology)
  • Interview: “Vitamins and Minerals During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding” (VitaminExpress, 2025)
  • Lectures / Conferences: Numerous presentations at national and international events on perinatology, gynecology, and maternal medicine
  • Interview: “Micronutrients & Prevention: Prof. Dr. Ekkehard Schleußner on Women’s Health During Menopause” (VitaminExpress, 2026)

Key Areas of Focus

  • High-Risk Pregnancies & Miscarriage Prevention
  • Placental Research & Pregnancy Physiology
  • Pre- and Perinatal Diagnostics
  • Thrombophilia & Autoimmune Factors in Pregnancy
  • Nutritional and Micronutrient Aspects of Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Social Media Links & Contact

UKJ Clinic Page – Clinic Management/Team: (Contact information and email via the official website) University Hospital Jena 

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Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Kälicke

Prof. Dr. med. Kälicke won the German Indoor Youth Championship in the 400-meter dash in 1991 (47.78 seconds). After completing his studies, the orthopedic surgeon and trauma surgeon spent several periods abroad (including international postings in Switzerland and Austria) and has been back in his hometown of Bonn since 2011, where, at just 38 years old, he became Chief of the Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery at the GFO Clinics Bonn.

In Bochum, Kälicke had previously served as senior attending physician and deputy hospital director at the Bergmannsheil University Hospital, operated by the German Social Accident Insurance Association—the oldest trauma hospital in the world.

In 2016, Prof. Dr. med. Thomas Kälicke took over not only the department at Sankt-Josef-Hospital in Bonn-Beuel but also the Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery at Cura Hospital in Bad Honnef.

Prof. Kälicke is a board-certified specialist in surgery, orthopedics and trauma surgery, specialized trauma surgery, hand surgery, and physical therapy—and has responded to more than 3,000 emergency calls as an emergency physician. He is a sought-after speaker who shares his profound knowledge in the field of longevity through fact-based, authentic, and easy-to-understand presentations. Scientific findings are combined with practical strategies for everyday life.

Professional Qualifications

  • Board-certified specialist in general surgery
  • Board-certified specialist in orthopedics and trauma surgery
  • Board-certified specialist in specialized trauma surgery
  • Board-certified specialist in hand surgery
  • University teaching position at Ruhr University Bochum
  • Establishment of the Center for Endoprosthetics at Sankt-Josef-Hospital in Beuel
  • Chief Physician at the GFO Clinics in Bonn
  • Author, Coach, and Speaker

Publications / References

LNGVTY (LONGER - BETTER - LIFE), 2025

Key Topics

  • Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery
  • Hand Surgery
  • Endoprosthetics of the hip, knee, shoulder, elbow, and ankle joints
  • Revision endoprosthetics, complication management, and revision surgery
  • Axial corrections and correction of failed osteosynthesis
  • Pseudarthrosis therapy

Social Media Links & Contact