Heidelberg University Hospital

Heidelberg University Hospital (Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg), founded in 1386 alongside the University of Heidelberg — Germany's oldest university — is one of Europe's most distinguished academic medical centers. With 1,900 beds distributed across numerous specialized departments, JCI and KTQ accreditations, and approximately 14,000 employees including over 2,500 physicians, Heidelberg represents the pinnacle of German medical excellence and scientific research. Oncology at Heidelberg is anchored by the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), a joint venture between the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg University Hospital, and other partners. The NCT is one of only six designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in Germany and provides truly bench-to-bedside cancer care. Patients benefit from molecular tumor profiling through the Heidelberg Center for Personalized Oncology (HIPO), which performs whole-genome sequencing to identify targetable mutations. The Ion Beam Therapy Center (HIT) provides proton and carbon ion therapy — one of only a few facilities worldwide offering heavy ion therapy for radio-resistant tumors. Additional services include advanced immunotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy, surgical oncology, and an extensive clinical trials program. Cardiac Sciences at Heidelberg encompass one of Germany's most experienced heart surgery programs. The Department of Cardiac Surgery performs over 2,500 procedures annually including complex valve reconstruction, coronary bypass surgery, aortic surgery with endovascular and hybrid approaches, heart transplantation, and mechanical circulatory support. The Cardiology Department provides interventional procedures, structural heart interventions, electrophysiology, and cardiac imaging with the latest technology. Neurosciences benefit from Heidelberg's integration with the German Cancer Research Center for neuro-oncology. The Department of Neurosurgery performs brain tumor surgery with fluorescence-guided resection, functional neurosurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, epilepsy surgery, and complex spinal procedures. The Neurology Department is a reference center for neurodegenerative diseases, multiple sclerosis, and rare neurological conditions. Organ Transplantation at Heidelberg includes kidney, liver, pancreas, and combined organ transplants. The liver transplant program is one of Germany's largest, with particular expertise in living donor liver transplantation. The kidney transplant program performs ABO-incompatible transplantation and manages complex immunological cases. Orthopedics at Heidelberg benefits from the renowned Orthopedic University Hospital, offering joint replacement, sports medicine, spine surgery, orthopedic oncology, and rheumatic disease management. The department is internationally recognized for its expertise in complex revision surgery and bone tumor treatment. Gastroenterology provides hepatology including liver transplant assessment, advanced therapeutic endoscopy, inflammatory bowel disease management, and pancreatic disease treatment. The department houses one of Germany's leading centers for pancreatic cancer treatment. Nephrology offers comprehensive kidney care including dialysis, transplant preparation, and management of rare kidney diseases. Fertility services include IVF, ICSI, fertility preservation for cancer patients, and reproductive endocrinology at the Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Fertility Disorders. Robotic Surgery is deployed across urology, gynecology, and general surgery, with Heidelberg's urological robotic surgery program being one of the most experienced in Germany. Ophthalmology at Heidelberg is internationally renowned, with particular expertise in retinal diseases, corneal surgery, and ocular oncology. Heidelberg International Office provides comprehensive support for international patients including medical opinion services, treatment coordination, multilingual staff in English, Arabic, Russian, and Chinese, accommodation in the historic university city of Heidelberg, and post-discharge follow-up. The romantic city of Heidelberg, with its famous castle and charming old town, provides a peaceful and attractive setting for recovery. Treatment costs at Heidelberg are competitive within the German healthcare market, typically 30-50% lower than comparable academic centers in the United States.