Clinic boss David-Ruben Thies: “The German healthcare system lacks vision”

Clinic boss David-Ruben Thies
“The German healthcare system lacks vision”

January 17, 2024, 8:40 a.m

Technology plays a crucial role at Waldkliniken Eisenberg – including with its own digital patient file. Clinic managing director David-Ruben Thies relies on consistent digitalization. He tells how he sees the healthcare system of the future in the ntv podcast “So techt Deutschland”.

David-Ruben Thies, managing director of Waldkliniken Eisenberg, wants to change the hospital world. In his Thuringian hospital he relies on patient care and state-of-the-art technology. “Our approach is to treat patients like guests,” explains Thies. “Why shouldn’t we learn from a hotel?” This philosophy is reflected in everything from the architecture to the care.

Thies’ journey into the healthcare industry began with rejection. He actually wanted to become a midwife. “It was unusual for a man at the time, and I got a lot of negative answers,” says Thies. This experience shaped his approach to doing things differently.

A key aspect of forest clinics is the use of technology. “We have developed our own digital patient file,” says Thies proudly. Inspired by a visit to California, the clinic uses a cloud solution that increases efficiency and improves patient convenience. “Patients can complete their medical history from the comfort of their own home,” explains Thies.

Waldkliniken Eisenberg also uses advanced technologies to improve the quality of treatment and reduce the workload of staff. “AI-supported evaluation of X-ray images or automated patient letters are just a part of our innovations,” says Thies. But he also sees major challenges in the German healthcare system. “There is a lack of vision. We have to get to grips with the system,” he emphasizes. Thies is in favor of reducing the number of hospitals.