EHS logo icon - white

Back to Board

President Elect

Dr. René Fortelny

1. What made you choose abdominal wall surgery?

My passion for abdominal wall surgery started very early during my time as a resident, when I was privileged to conduct my first clinical study comparing TAPP versus Lichtenstein. From then on, I was fascinated by the development of techniques for open and laparoscopic hernia repair and this is still the case to this day.

2. What are your ambitions and goals to serve the EHS Board?

One of the major goals and tasks that I see in the EHS Board and where I also place my focus is the improvement and standardization of hernia procedures, as well as raising the required educational quality internationally to an appropriate level.

3. Where do you get your motivation and inspiration in life?

My motivation is to experience the continuous development and improvement of patient outcomes with the help of new surgical techniques. Sharing ideas with my hernia colleagues provides always the best inspiration. In addition, other interests such as music and art are always inspiring for me as well.

4. What are the biggest challenges in the abdominal wall surgery right now?

From my point of view, the biggest challenge in hernia surgery at the moment is the dramatic development of technical capabilities, such as the evidence-based integration of robotics into hernia surgery and the creation of appropriate algorithms and guidelines on that basis.

5. What is your hidden talent?

If there is such a talent, it is probably the ability to reach consensus, but this is certainly no secret.

NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to
our Newsletter

Receive monthly updates about EHS activities, events and publications.