Can you tell us about your current role and the types of patients you work with?
For 11 years, I had the privilege of working at the University Hospital Cologne, where from 2018 to 2025, I led the Pain and Spasticity Section within the Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery. Starting on September 1st, I will join HYGEIA Hospital in Athens, Greece, where I will continue my mission of improving patients’ quality of life through advanced neuromodulation therapies. I treat individuals suffering from chronic pain and spasticity, always with empathy, precision, and innovation. As Heraclitus said, ‘There is nothing permanent except change.’ Embracing this change allows me to bring cutting-edge care to my home country and support chronic pain and spasticity patients with renewed passion and dedication.
What were the initial hurdles you encountered in establishing or advancing this section, and how did you overcome them?
One of the primary hurdles was fostering interdisciplinary trust and awareness about the value of neuromodulation within a traditional clinical framework. Convincing colleagues and administrators required persistence, education, and the demonstration of tangible patient outcomes. I focused on building a solid foundation through scientific evidence, compassionate care, and transparent communication. With unwavering commitment, I created a culture of collaboration and innovation—turning skepticism into support. The greatest victories often begin with the hardest challenges.
Please walk us through your leadership journey in the medical field—what inspired you to take on a leadership role in pain and spasticity care?
Leadership in pain and spasticity care was a natural evolution of my passion for patient-centered neuromodulation. Early in my career, I was mentored by visionary pioneers who showed me that true leadership means serving others—patients, colleagues, and the field itself. I was driven by the need to advocate for underutilized therapies and to build bridges between innovation and clinical practice. Leading means empowering others, shaping systems, and never ceasing to learn. As Aristotle said, “He who has overcome his fears will truly be free.” I strive to lead with courage, empathy, and responsibility, ensuring that each patient has access to the most advanced, evidence-based treatments that can restore dignity, function, and hope.
What qualities or values do you consider essential for medical leadership in today’s fast-evolving healthcare environment?
Medical leadership today requires a fusion of clinical excellence, ethical integrity, and visionary thinking. In a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, adaptability, empathy, and interprofessional collaboration are indispensable. A true leader must inspire trust, empower teams, and advocate for innovation while always prioritizing patient well-being. As Heraclitus wisely said, “The only constant in life is change.” Embracing this truth allows leaders to navigate complexity with resilience and clarity. Leadership is not about authority—it is about responsibility, humility, and the unwavering commitment to improve lives through knowledge, compassion, and courage.
What are some of the most innovative treatments you use for managing chronic pain?
In our interdisciplinary approach to chronic pain management, we employ a range of cutting-edge neuromodulation techniques tailored to individual patient needs. These include spinal cord stimulation—both traditional and closed-loop systems—offering precise, adaptive therapy; intrathecal drug delivery, which allows targeted, low-dose analgesia with minimal systemic side effects; radiofrequency procedures for selective nerve modulation; and peripheral nerve stimulation, particularly valuable for localized neuropathic pain. These minimally invasive therapies restore function and dignity, often where conventional methods fail. As Hippocrates said, “Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity.” We aim to provide that opportunity through innovation, compassion, and scientific rigor.
Can you highlight a specific leadership challenge you’ve faced in your career and how you managed to resolve it?
One of the most defining leadership challenges I faced was integrating a multidisciplinary neuromodulation program within a traditionally conservative hospital environment. Resistance to change and skepticism towards novel technologies were significant. I addressed this by fostering open dialogue, emphasizing evidence-based outcomes, and involving all stakeholders in the process. Through persistence, transparency, and shared purpose, we built trust and transformed initial resistance into active collaboration. Today, this program is a cornerstone of the hospital. True leadership lies in guiding others through change—not with authority, but with vision, empathy, and unwavering commitment to patient care.
What role does teamwork play in your daily practice, especially with professionals from different fields?
Teamwork is the cornerstone of my daily practice. In the complex field of neuromodulation, true progress arises from synergy—where neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, physiotherapists, and psychologists contribute their unique expertise toward one common goal: improving the patient’s quality of life. This interdisciplinary collaboration is not merely coordination; it is a dynamic exchange that enhances decision-making and patient outcomes. As Aristotle wisely said, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” It is in this spirit that we transform challenges into solutions, ensuring that every patient receives holistic, individualized care.
What advice would you give to young doctors and students who want to specialize in neurosurgery or pain medicine?
Passion is the foundation of a meaningful career in neurosurgery and pain medicine. This path demands dedication, resilience, and a deep commitment to alleviating human suffering. My advice to young doctors is to stay curious, seek out mentors who inspire you, and never lose sight of the patient at the center of every decision. Embrace every opportunity to learn—from the operating room to the bedside—and remember the words of Socrates: “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” Let your passion guide you, your humility ground you, and your empathy elevate the care you provide. This is not just a profession—it is a lifelong calling to serve.
Recently, my three books have been released: “Intrathecal Therapy and Ziconotide: A Comprehensive Guide for Pain Management,” “From Surgeons to Storytellers: Building Bridges with Patients in Neuromodulation,” and “Pain and Pulses: A Philosophical Dive into Spinal Cord Stimulation.”
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