Post Doc Researcher and Spine Surgeon
University Center of Orthopaedic, Trauma and Plastic Surgery
University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus
Dresden University of Technology

Who do you consider your mentors?
My first mentor in basic orthopaedic research was Prof. Maik Stiehler in Dresden. Through him I got a job in the orthopaedic clinic in Dresden in 2010. Through a research stay at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Stanford, I gained Prof. Stuart B Goodman as a personal friend and mentor. We remain in close contact; he is a role model for me clinically, scientifically, and personally. My clinical and spine surgery mentors at the University Hospital in Dresden were Prof. Klaus-Dieter Schaser and Prof. Alexander C. Disch, as well as Prof. Klaus-Peter Günther.

What is your specific area of interest in research?
Scientifically, I am particularly interested in the field of bone regeneration. In this regard, my research group is investigating novel bone replacement materials, growth factors and small molecules as well as cells to improve bone defect healing and optimize intervertebral fusions.

What are you currently working on?
Our working group is currently researching the mechanisms of how an EP4 prostaglandin receptor agonist can contribute to fracture healing and intervertebral fusion. We are also investigating resorbable bone cements for augmentation of pedicle screws and the possibility of biologically modifying this cement.

What has been the biggest challenge for you lately in your research?
As a full-time clinical spine surgeon, it is always a challenge to organize time to plan and carry out basic science experiments. The applications required for basic science (research funding, animal testing applications, ethics applications) seem to be becoming more and more extensive. I regularly wish for more support or simpler processes here.

What projects are you looking forward to?
As a spine surgeon, I look forward to further developing the treatment of spinal diseases. For example, I am thinking of various new approaches to reducing and stabilizing fractures and fusing segments without using pedicle screws. Furthermore, I believe there is still enormous potential in the development of biological bone replacement materials.

What changes would you like to see in the future of the orthopedic research community?
I would be happy and will work to ensure that younger orthopaedic and trauma surgeons receive scientific training in addition to their clinical work and also have the opportunity to be creative and scientifically active during their working hours.

What do you like to do outside of your work?
I enjoy spending time with my wife, my three children, and our dog. We like to travel around the world. When we explore Europe, we do this with our camper. I also enjoy doing endurance sports. When time allows, I take part in RC car competitions with my children.

What is the last book you read?
Since we plan to travel to Sweden, Finland, and Norway this summer, the last book I read was “Nordic Feeling.”

What is the most unusual/unexpected item sitting on your desk right now?
On my desk there is a stone from the Baltic Sea beach that my sister has artfully painted with Snoopy, who sits on the roof of the doghouse together with his bird Woodstock.