In a globally networked healthcare world, specialized medical facilities are becoming increasingly important internationally. In recent years, Privatklinik Hochrum near Innsbruck has established itself as a competence center for orthopaedics and sports traumatology far beyond Austria's borders. In this interview, Prof. Dr. Christian Fink and Martin Witting, Managing Director of Privatklinik Hochrum, talk about the factors behind their success, the importance of international networks and the aspiration to combine medicine and humanity.
What factors have contributed to the clinic making a name for itself beyond the country's borders?
Mag. Witting: The Hochrum Private Clinic has built up an excellent reputation over many years - not only in Tyrol, but far beyond the borders of Austria. Since patient acquisition in an affiliated doctor system takes place in particular through the free choice of doctors, the specialist medical specialization is decisive here. In the field of orthopaedics and sports traumatology, a team led by Prof. Dr. Christian Fink has succeeded in establishing international networks. In addition to specialist medical expertise, it is the hospital's task to meet the high demands in terms of nursing care, therapy and infrastructure in a flexible and innovative manner. The fact that this has been done so successfully for many years now makes us satisfied and, of course, a little proud. In particular, our specialization in certain specialist areas, such as knee joint surgery, has contributed significantly to our international visibility. Recommendations from satisfied patients and close cooperation with renowned international specialist centers have strengthened our status.
What significance does international recognition have for the clinic? Do you notice an increase in demand from international patients or specialists as a result?
Prof. Fink: Yes, that is the case. Many success stories are well known and also have a pull effect. Sports associations, therapists and doctors, among others, know about these stories and want the same treatment for their patients. This ranges from young and amateur athletes to business people and artists. International recognition is a great honor for us and at the same time a confirmation of our work. But it also brings with it responsibility - because patients come to us with high expectations.
Which countries or regions play a particularly important role for the clinic? Are there countries from which a particularly large number of patients or specialists come or with which there is close cooperation?
Mag. Witting: The majority of our international patients currently come from Central Europe - primarily Germany, Italy and Switzerland. However, we are also seeing increasing demand from Eastern European countries and the Middle East. At a professional level, we maintain close contacts with medical facilities in Germany and South Tyrol, with whom we regularly exchange professional information. These networks not only facilitate knowledge transfer, but also strengthen our role as an international competence center for sports orthopaedics.
As mentioned, many of your patients are professional athletes - how does their treatment differ from "traditional" medical care?
Prof. Fink: For professional athletes, the focus is not only on complete recovery, but also on returning to competition as quickly and safely as possible. The timeline plays an important role here: every week counts, every decision is relevant for a career. This requires great precision - in diagnostics, in the surgical strategy and in rehabilitation planning. At the same time, we also have to take psychological aspects into account, because every injury is also an enormous psychological challenge for athletes.
What are your hopes for the future - both for your personal development and for the further development of the clinic?
Prof. Fink: I hope that we will continue to innovate as a team - both in medical care and in research. At the same time, I hope that we can continue to witness so many successful restarts in the future - because nothing motivates more than an athlete who is back on top after a serious injury. My wish for the clinic is that it continues to establish itself as a place where cutting-edge technology and humanity go hand in hand.
