Healing Holidays

Advertorial
� Dr Andreas Zarth of The Eye Clinic
Healing Holidays
By U lrike L emmin-W oolfrey
Europe has long been a popular holiday spot for people from the Gulf; the combination of
culture, history, spectacular nature and the seasonal weather never disappoints. The
mountains and green forested regions such as the south of Germany are particular favourites
and Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is central to all the attractions that the region has to offer
Increasingly, culture, historical
sights and the beauty of nature
are no longer the only reasons
visitors choose to visit this part of the
world: many visitors to the city also
make use of the excellent medical care
offered by a variety of providers. The
Mayor of Munich, Christian Ude, had
this to say about the new medical
tourism: “Efficient hospitals, an
internationally renowned scientific
body that includes two medical
faculties at Munich’s universities and
other public and private research
institutions make Bavaria’s metropolis
a leading European health-care
competence centre. Our physicians
and hospitals deservedly enjoy a
reputation that shines way beyond
Germany and Europe. If you like
proof, just consider the ever-increasing
number of visitors travelling halfway
around the globe to take advantage of
our medical services. They feel safe
and well cared for in Munich and trust
our institutions.”
The many facilities on offer cover a
wide range of specialties.
The Eye Clinic
Similar to our approach to our dental
health, we think of our eyes and visual
health only when something goes
wrong and we can not see properly
anymore. But as the old adage goes:
you have only got two eyes and
therefore you should look after them
before something goes wrong, as
unlike many other organs, we cannot
replace our eyes, nor can we do well
without them. In the Fuenf Hoefe (five
farms) complex, just a few minutes
walk from the popular city centre
Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten (Four
Seasons) you will find the
private practice of eye specialist
Dr. Andreas Zarth. His aim is to
examine visual impairments and
eye dysfunctions both from an
orthodox medical perspective
and in a holistic context to
check if there are deeper causes
for frequently occurring
illnesses such as dry eye
syndrome, glaucoma, or
macular degeneration?
To assess this, the practice is
equipped with modern,
computer-controlled diagnostic
instruments such as the
Pentacam camera, which takes
up to 50 shots of the cornea
and lens in less than two
seconds, or the optical
coherence tomography (OCT)
scanner for examining the
retina, to give a couple of
examples. Another special
feature of the clinic is that it
employs both an orthoptist, for
visual training, and an
optometrist. An expert in the
diagnosis and treatment of
abnormalities of eye movement
and position, the orthoptist
does not just deal with the
many varieties of squints, but is
also trained in all aspects of
paediatric ophthalmology.
The optometrist takes care
of fitting glasses and contact
lenses, in direct consultation
with Dr.Zarth. This is especially
important when it comes to the
complicated fitting of
multifocals (combined glasses
for close and wide range) and
work glasses. The eight staff
members of this clinic provide
friendly service in an exclusive
ambiance – benefits that are
appreciated by a demanding
international clientele.
(contact: mail@augenarztfuenf-hoefe.de;www.augenarztfuenf-hoefe.de;
phone: 00.49.89.20207373)
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Dr.med.Bernd N. Herberger of The Sleep Clinic �
The Sleep Clinic
Sleep is one of the most basic human needs. Without it
we cannot function and tend to become unhappy,
inefficient and sick. Everyone knows when he or she
needs sleep and feels good when sleep has been
sufficient: one wakes up rested, refreshed and ready for
what the day has to offer. Yet a reported 60 per cent of
us suffer from sleep issues, and 95 per cent of related
problems reportedly go undiagnosed. Our modern way
of life and work, with ever more demanding schedules,
tend to increase our levels of stress, which can often
lead to sleep disturbances.
Exhaustion, lethargy and general problems with our
bodies and minds can all result from lack of proper
healing sleep. Without proper diagnosis and help, more
serious problems can be just around the corner.
ProSomno is a leading clinic specialising in the
diagnosis and therapy of sleep disorders. They assess
each individual case over a period of two nights, spent
in comfortable surroundings with individual TV,
internet access and all hotel facilities required to make
the guest feel at home. Then, through a series of tests,
diagnose and solve the underlying cause of the
problem.
The Director of the clinic, Dr.med.Bernd N.
Herberger, is a specialist in internal medicine,
neurology, psychiatry and psychotherapy as well as
somnology and is an authority in the field of diagnosis
and treatment of sleep disorders. The ProSomno clinic
is accredited with the official German society for sleep
medicine (DGSM), the internationally leading scientific
board in Germany for sleep medicine. Manned by
expertly trained staff throughout and equipped with the
most modern, state-of-the-art, high-tech facilities for
diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders, ProSomno
is also conveniently located right in the centre of
Munich close to all the attractions.
(contact: service@prosomno.de;
www.prosomno.de; phone: 00.49.89.21665544)
� Professor Helmut Friess of The Surgical Clinic
The Surgical Clinic
While surgery is seen by many as the most noble and elegant art
and science of medicine, but it also carries the highest risk for
individuals. Therefore, the decision about which surgeon meets
ones needs best is crucial, as surgery itself is risky and small
mistakes may change ones lives significantly. The Department of
Surgery of the Klinikum Rechts der Isar (Clinic to the right of the
Isar) is one of most renowned institutions in Germany and
possibly worldwide. It is part of the Technical University Munich,
representing one of the three original German universities of
excellence. The institute’s mission is that highest standards of
surgical care are exceeded at all times. Cutting edge technology
and clinical translation of the most promising research findings
compose an exciting portfolio of individual first class therapy.
Professor Helmut Friess, Chairman and Professor of Surgery, and
his team of experienced surgeons are highly respected within their
field of expertise and well known within the surgical community as
leaders in pancreatic, liver, oesophageal, gastric, colorectal and
minimally-invasive computer aided surgery. The unique
combination of technical prowess and solid surgical skills enabled
countless patients with severe diseases to successfully fight
apparently hopeless battles .
A revolutionary approach in cancer treatment is the daily
‘tumour board,’ where different specialists come together to study
and define the best possible therapeutic option for each patient.
This well known ‘tumour board’ serves as a central resource for
cancer care far beyond Germany’s borders. A recent surgical
breakthrough achieved by the team of Professor Friess and his
colleagues was the development of an organ preserving pancreatic
procedure for patients with chronic pancreatitis. Currently a
radically new approach avoiding major surgery in patients with
gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is being developed in the clinic.
The Klinikum rechts der Isar is an internationally renowned
academic institution that offers patients the rare opportunity to
experience top surgical performance combined with the latest
medical techniques within a warm and loving atmosphere in the
heart of Munich.
(contact: zpm@chir.med.tu-muenchen.de; phone:
00.49.89.41402121)
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�Dr Norbert Soergel of The Dental Clinic
The Dental Clinic
We often go to the dentist only
when something hurts; something
has already gone wrong and we do
not have a choice. It is well known
that the appearance of our teeth
plays an important role in making
that vital first impression, since
people not only watch our eyes but
also our mouth when talk to them.
Again our dental heath is just as
important as our overall health, with
links between poor dental hygiene
and heart disease already
established.
Dr. Nobert Soergel, who runs
Privatpraxis (private clinic), feels that
the attitude of fixing only what is
broken, is outdated and old
fashioned. Hence, apart from
helping patients with acute
problems, the philosophy of the
clinic is to assess all factors that play
a role in dental health, from genetics
to diet and lifestyle, and then offer a
personalised therapy-plan for the
future all-round dental health of the
teeth in the context of the patient’s
overall health..
A long-term plan is devised based
on consultations, extensive testing,
x-rays, checking of existing problems
and previously carried out dental
work, followed by an in-depth oneto-one
discussion and consequent
diagnosis. Be it aesthetics involving
whitening of the teeth or placing of
veneers, or surgical procedures such
as implants or prosthetics, the
clinic’s team has wide-ranging
expertise in all dental treatments,
having offered world-class service
since 1978. Dr.Soergel himself has
learnt from the best at the Harvard
School of Dental Medicine in Boston
and is well-known in his field.
Located literally in the centre of
the old historical city, a few steps
from the market, city hall and the
cathedral, a visit can easily be fitted
into the day’s sightseeing plan.
(contact: dr-soergel@t-online.de;
www.privatpraxis.de; phone:
00.49.89.296777)
� The Radiology Clinic �
The Radiology Clinic
It is advisable that we all undergo medical
check-up regularly; basically an entire overall
assessment of the functioning of our heart,
lungs, bones, down to the thyroid other
organs. In the Gulf it can often be difficult to
find a clinic that offers thorough check-ups
all under one roof. In Munich, the new
Privataerztliche Radiologie (Private
Radiology) clinic of Dr.Westerburg and
Dr.Bodensteiner offers all modalities of the
most advanced, fully digital imaging
diagnostics. In addition to the highest image
quality and complete expansion stages for all
equipment – such as Volume Zoom CT from
Siemens, MR-Espree in open design from
Siemens, digital mammography and X-ray
equipment and ultrasound – the team has
created a pleasant, patient-friendly
environment. By keeping to accounting
procedures based on GOÄ (physician fee
schedule), the clinic is able to guarantee
patient care that is particularly attentive and
time- and cost-effective. All options offered
by the most advanced communications are
available for images and findings without
restrictions. Transmission of results can be
handled via e-mail, fax, post, CD-ROM or
even hard copies, as needed. Extensive and
protected digital archiving of all data is
ensured.
The high-tech clinic specialises in
mammography, full body bone scans,
angiography, prostate check-up, stroke
prophylaxis, heart examinations and even
offers a so-called ‘manager check-up’ for the
busy executive of today.
Other tests include computer
tomography for lung parenchyma and for
the sinus area, cardiac imaging,
colonoscopy, punch biopsies from all
organs, bone density measurements and
even thyroid scintigraphy, the latest in
nuclear medicine.
Dr.med.Karl-Wilhelm Westerburg is a
specialist in radiology and nuclear medicine
with 40 years experience, whilst Dr.med
Stefan Bodensteiner is a specialist in
diagnostic radiology with nearly 30 years of
experience in his field. The clinic is situated
in the centre of Munich, conveniently
reachable by car or public transport.
(contact: info@prirad.de; www.prirad.de;
phone: 00.49.89.552 795 60)
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