Inselspital (University Hospital Bern)

Inselspital, Bern University Hospital (Inselspital, Universitatsspital Bern) is one of the oldest and most prestigious university hospitals in Europe, with origins dating back to 1354 when it was established as a medieval hospice. Located in the Swiss capital of Bern, Inselspital has evolved over nearly seven centuries into a world-class medical institution with 900 beds, over 40 specialized clinics, and approximately 10,000 employees. The hospital treats more than 45,000 inpatients and 700,000 outpatients annually, serving as the primary teaching hospital for the University of Bern's Faculty of Medicine. Inselspital holds dual accreditation from Joint Commission International (JCI) and the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), confirming its adherence to the highest international standards of patient safety, clinical quality, and organizational excellence. The hospital is consistently ranked among the world's best hospitals by Newsweek and other international rankings. The Cardiac Sciences department at Inselspital is one of the most advanced in Europe, with comprehensive capabilities including coronary artery bypass surgery, minimally invasive cardiac surgery, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), complex interventional cardiology, electrophysiology with ablation for atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, cardiac resynchronization therapy, mechanical circulatory support with VADs and ECMO, and heart transplantation. The department is internationally recognized for its pioneering work in transcatheter valve therapies and interventional cardiology research. Oncology at Inselspital's Comprehensive Cancer Center provides cutting-edge cancer diagnostics and treatment including precision oncology with next-generation sequencing, immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy, targeted molecular therapy, radiation oncology with proton therapy referral, surgical oncology using robotic and minimally invasive techniques, bone marrow transplantation, and participation in over 150 international clinical trials. The center is a member of the Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK). The Organ Transplant program is one of the most comprehensive in Switzerland, performing kidney, liver, heart, lung, and pancreas transplants. As part of the Swisstransplant national allocation network, the program maintains excellent long-term survival rates and offers living donor transplantation programs. Neurosciences at Inselspital are world-renowned, with the Department of Neurosurgery performing advanced brain tumor surgery with intraoperative MRI, awake craniotomy with cortical mapping, cerebrovascular surgery, deep brain stimulation for movement disorders, epilepsy surgery, and complex spinal surgery. Inselspital is particularly noted for its pioneering research in surgical robotics for neurosurgery and computer-assisted surgical planning. The comprehensive stroke center provides 24/7 thrombectomy capability. Orthopedics provides total joint replacement with robotic assistance, arthroscopic surgery, sports medicine, complex spinal surgery, hand surgery, and polytrauma management. Inselspital operates a major Level I trauma center for the Bern region. Gastroenterology and Hepatology offer advanced endoscopic procedures, hepatology, inflammatory bowel disease management, and gastrointestinal cancer care. Fertility services at the Reproductive Medicine Center provide IVF, ICSI, preimplantation genetic testing, and comprehensive reproductive endocrinology. Robotic Surgery using the Da Vinci system is extensively utilized across urology, gynecology, general surgery, and thoracic surgery departments. Spine Surgery at Inselspital covers complex spinal deformity correction, minimally invasive spine surgery, artificial disc replacement, and treatment of spinal tumors and infections. International patients benefit from Inselspital's International Services department, which provides personalized treatment coordination, interpreter services in multiple languages, visa support, accommodation at premium Bern hotels, and post-discharge follow-up. Bern's central location in Switzerland, with easy access by rail and air, makes Inselspital conveniently accessible. The hospital offers Swiss-quality healthcare with the expertise of one of Europe's oldest medical traditions. Inselspital is centrally located in Bern, approximately 30 minutes from Bern Airport and 90 minutes from Zurich Airport by train.