Priv.-Doz. Dr. Alexander Goedel

But an exclusively academic career was not his goal. It was clear to him early on: "I want to be where the people are – in daily care. In conversation, in encounters."

The university affiliation, however, allows him and his colleagues access to all modern therapeutic procedures. One of the practice's focal points is prevention. Here lie the major levers, says Dr. Goedel. “More than half of all cardiovascular diseases would be preventable. Every person has their own genetic predisposition, but within this risk, one can move up or down. Through the early detection and treatment of high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and diabetes mellitus, one can significantly reduce one's own risk.” These three topics alone already account for 90 percent of prevention, according to the expert. And even if people feel they are doing “everything right,” they exercise, eat sensibly, don't smoke, a genetically unfavorable constellation can ensure that you are in a high-risk area without knowing it. "You should know your cardiovascular risk and know where your weaknesses lie, in order to specifically address them," Dr. Goedel advises everyone.

That's why the practice places great emphasis on comprehensive diagnostics - from modern echocardiography to stress tests and long-term ECGs to pacemaker control - without performing invasive procedures themselves. "That is a conscious decision. We want to advise appropriately and independently. For interventions, we work with a proven network of highly specialized clinics."

As a group practice, the team combines broad expertise. And that is also a family matter: His mother, Prof. Dr. Liselotte Goedel-Meinen, also a cardiologist and internist, built the practice parallel to her work as a senior physician, among others at the German Heart Center in Munich, together with Dr. Dietrich Loos. And his sister, Dr. Julia Hieber, is also jointly working here with the other partners Dr. Fabian Michalk and Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Sarafoff as a cardiologist. In total, there are 13 doctors and around 23 medical staff. "We regularly discuss complex cases as a team - this significantly improves the care of our patients."

The practice also includes a pneumological unit - a real plus, since many symptoms like shortness of breath can originate both from the heart and the lungs. The interdisciplinary approach ensures that nothing is overlooked.

Despite all the high-end medicine, Dr. Goedel and his team always focus on the person: "We perceive our patients not only as a disease picture, but in their entirety - with their history, their concerns, their life reality." It starts with the first impression: clear structures, respectful interaction, empathetic care. But it goes even deeper: for example, the question of which therapy suits the person and their life. "Shared Decision Making" is the principle: Decisions are explained in a well-founded and understandable manner and then made together. This also takes away people's fear of modern medicine. And: "Especially in prevention, there is often no right or wrong. It is always a trade-off. And we help patients make the best decision for their life."

Enough Sleep — and exercise in everyday life — would be a good start. And because the former field hockey player knows how difficult it is, Sport to integrate into a packed day, he advocates for small, realistic steps: “Bike to work, take the stairs instead of the elevator, get off the subway one station early and walk — these are also things that help in the long term.” But not just strolling, but walking briskly so you no longer enjoy chatting. That's more effective than going to the gym once a week and otherwise sitting at a desk. In general, the rule for sports — not only for re-starters in middle age: One should undergo a cardiac examination and know one’s cardiovascular risk, especially before intense physical exertion, to avoid putting oneself in danger.

What drives him? “The interest in people. I believe that with good, humane medicine, you can sustainably positively influence the life paths of patients.”