My professorship is called:
Adjunct Professorship in Neurosurgery (Faculty IV)

This is what my research is about:
As a neurosurgeon, my clinical and scientific focus is on peripheral nerves. These are the pathways that connect our brain and spinal cord with the rest of the body. They are remarkably efficient and, at the same time, highly susceptible to injury because they travel long distances through the human body—sometimes more than a meter.

Part of my research focuses on nerve imaging. This is a very young field, because until about two decades ago, nerves were assessed exclusively based on their electrical activity and—quite practically—the function of the target organ. For example, if a muscle no longer functions or sensation is reduced in a particular area of skin, it is clear that the corresponding nerve must be damaged. Today, imaging techniques such as high-resolution ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have become part of nerve diagnosis and treatment. However, the fact remains that nerves are much more difficult to image than other organs due to their long and anatomically complex pathways throughout the body. That is precisely why I find it so fascinating to explore how we can learn even more about the structure and pathologies of nerves without the need for invasive procedures.

Another major focus of my work on peripheral nerves is health services research. As a neurosurgeon, my work is very hands-on: treating nerve damage by relieving compression, freeing nerves from scar tissue, or repairing injuries with microsurgical sutures. But surgery alone is not enough, and that is often disappointing for patients. My goal is therefore to ensure that people with nerve injuries receive better guidance from the outset, have access to support after surgery, and know what they can do themselves to improve their recovery. Since I am also a sports medicine physician, I have spent a great deal of time exploring training approaches and aim to provide patients with suitable exercise programs while also fostering stronger connections with experienced sports therapists, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists. We can all learn a great deal from one another.

What fascinates me most about my field of research:
Peripheral nerves lie at the intersection of highly complex biology and very tangible clinical problems. As a surgeon, you are naturally closer to the clinical problem than to basic research. Bringing those two worlds together is the real challenge. In many areas, this connection does not happen—or not nearly enough. But when it does, it can lead to highly motivating and rewarding outcomes.

I came to the University of Siegen because:
I am a great believer in academic medicine. In my opinion, only a strong academic connection enables medicine within a hospital to keep pace with the latest developments. Here in Siegen, we have the unique situation that this connection is not directly to a medical faculty, but to disciplines closely related to medicine—which I see as an opportunity. I also simply enjoy teaching. Even my three younger siblings were never spared my "playing school" when we were children.

My most interesting previous positions were:
My studies at Heidelberg University and my ten years at the University Hospital in Bochum.

In my courses, students learn, for example:
Well, my field has now been introduced... a little surprise has to remain ;). Above all, I hope they learn to take a genuine interest in things.

In my free time, I enjoy:
Spending lots of time with my two six-year-old twin daughters. At the moment, we all share a passion for dancing. And as a balance to the sometimes all-consuming and highly structured routine of hospital life, I have always enjoyed creative pursuits. That will probably find its way into my teaching from time to time as well.