You were and still have a good reputation as a paediatrician. Did you always know that you wanted to do this profession?

I was encouraged by the excellent lectures of one of our professors. He had a way of filling the students with enthusiasm for his subject. This is why I decided to specialize in paediatric medicine.

 

Do you have a favourite memory from your time as a paediatrician?

I couldn’t choose one particular highlight, since I made many beautiful experiences. Of course, there were sad moments either. In the neurologic department I often had to do with children with disabilities but also with their wonderful parents. These parents were extremely thankful for being accompanied and supported, for example with regard to insurance concerns.

 

You are still very involved in the subject. What do your professional activities include today?

I retired eight years ago but I am still very interested in the subject. Since I was not a surgeon but rather gave “analytical inputs” when working as a doctor, I still was able to engage in some fields after my retirement. Today I accompany colleagues who want to become paediatricians with courses and discussions and I provide them with the latest articles on the subject. I was asked if I wanted to do this ten years ago. At the moment I give a course for eight people in the German speaking part of Switzerland and another one for ten people in Constance, since I am still in touch with people from southern Germany who I got to know during my professional career.

 

Last week you went to Salzburg, Austria, right?

Yes, I was in Salzburg. Twenty years ago, a colleague from the children’s hospital in Salzburg spent one year in Zurich for further education and ever since we have been in touch. Nowadays, that is easy of course, thanks to emails and other technical possibilities. Once a year I travel to Salzburg. There I discuss cases of patients with my colleague, about who he wishes to have a second opinion. Additionally, we attend a seminar with other Austrian colleagues about unsolved diagnoses. I find that very interesting and as far as I can I contribute something to it. I therefore want to stay up to date with regard to the respective literature and I thus read a lot. When I am involved in something of the kind, I feel obliged to be in the picture about the latest questions and findings. Nowadays, a lot of articles are accessible online.

 

One reason why I am still active in my field is because I want to be helpful, but of course it is also good for my grey cells. I do not only have the possibility but also the time to stay involved and I still enjoy it.

 

Do you have other hobbies apart from your medical commitment?

One of my passions is photography; I mostly take pictures in the zoo. I have been to Africa several times but now I rather visit different Swiss and German zoos with my wife. There I take pictures of the animals and then create a calendar which I give to my family and friends. Each calendar has one central theme, for example rare zoo animals. Sometimes I take photos of different kinds of horses or cows, I have also made calendars with monkeys or antelopes only.

 

Have you always been a member of the Boltshauser Club?

My father, Jakob, once was president of the club. I remember how, as a boy, my father took me to a reunion, which took place in Ottoberg. We sat on common benches and there were not many people attending yet, there were about thirty of us. After that I went to reunions with my parents now and then, and later alone, with my wife and my children. I attended almost every reunion, except for when I was abroad.

 

You still have an active position in the Boltshauser Club. How do you feel about the club?

My role is rather a minor one. However, I think it is  a great thing, emotionally and historically. As a Boltshauser and having your roots in Thurgau you feel connected to the region.

 

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