Picture this. You stand before the renowned Urologie department at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. Its history is interwoven with the lives of remarkable individuals. This isn’t just a clinic. It’s a place where medical history was made. A place where pioneering work in urological oncology and minimally invasive surgery has changed countless lives.
Before 1933 eight Jewish urologists practiced here in Hamburg. Their stories are powerful. Their contributions to medicine immense. Otto Einzig Moritz Fürst Ernst Fränkel Wilhelm Haas Friedrich Lörse Paul Rosenberg Sigmund Wertheim and Erich Wohlauer. These names represent talent resilience and ultimately tragedy. One was murdered. Seven emigrated. One took his own life. The others practiced under unimaginable circumstances. Their stories underscore the impact of history on even the most dedicated medical professionals. They faced persecution yet continued to serve humanity.
The Urologie at UKE wasn’t always this prominent. The development of urology as a separate medical discipline took time. The Bremen guidelines of 1924 marked a turning point. They officially recognized urology as a specialized field of medicine. This was a major step in professionalization. This paved the way for more specialized training and advanced treatments.
Today the Urologie at UKE is a leader in minimally invasive techniques. Holmium laser surgery is common. Laparoscopic kidney examinations are routine. The UKE has become one of Germany’s leading centers for pediatric urology. Collaboration is key. It unites with the pediatric urology department at Altona Children’s Hospital. The department’s expertise extends to reconstructive urology. This includes procedures to restore continence and correct penile deviations. They even offer prosthetic implants for erectile dysfunction.
The team at the Urologie is large and experienced. Professor Dr M Fisch heads the department. He’s supported by seven consultants and twenty-seven research assistants. Eight are specialist physicians. The department has a high success rate in cancer treatment and functional restoration. This is thanks to their use of advanced technologies. This includes the DaVinci robot system.
So as you stand here before the Urologie at UKE remember more than just a building. Remember the stories of those who paved the way. Their struggles their achievements and their enduring legacy. This building is a testament to perseverance innovation and the ongoing quest for better healthcare.