Meet the ONZi Specialists and Team
The ONZi Specialists
A specialist in neurosurgery and an expert in the conservative and operative care of degenerative and traumatic spinal diseases.
Dr Thomas Bierstedt
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Keyfacts
Dr. Bierstedt is proficient in all surgical techniques via all available access routes. All surgical procedures (with the exception of infantile scoliosis) are performed by him.
Dr. Bierstedt performs about 500 spinal interventions of varying degrees of difficulty each year, about half of which are motion-preserving. The focus is on disc prosthetics of the lumbar spine and cervical spine, but also on facet joint-replacing, motion-preserving stabilization of the lumbar spine. Dr. Bierstedt treats patients from all over Germany, as well as large numbers of patients from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and various other non-European countries.
Dr. Bierstedt is currently one of only a few surgeons in Europe who implant up to 200 lumbar disc prostheses per year. He has implanted the most lateral disc prostheses in the lumbar spine in Europe. He is a reference surgeon for Spinal Kinetics (USA), FH Orthopedics, LDR (France) and Premia Spine. He is involved in a consulting capacity and in part as co-developer in various implants and instruments for the companies LDR, Premia Spine and Signus.
Memberships
EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE WORKING COMMUNITY OF OSTEOSYNTHESIS (AO spine Europe) DEUTSCHE GESELLSCHAFT FÜR WIRBELSÄULENCHIRURGIE,
Member of the DWG (master certified)
A specialist in neurosurgery, spinal surgery, manual medicine/chirotherapy and expert in conservative and minimally invasive endoscopic and surgical treatment of degenerative and traumatic spinal diseases.
Dr Bernd Illerhaus
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Dr. Bernd Illerhaus is a specialist in neurosurgery, spinal surgery, manual medicine/chirotherapy and an expert in conservative and minimally invasive endoscopic as well as surgical treatment of degenerative and traumatic spinal diseases.
In addition to conservative therapy, his special focus of interest and activity is motion-preserving surgical therapy of the cervical and lumbar spine, as well as minimally invasive endoscopic spine surgery. Dr. Illerhaus is proficient in all surgical techniques via all available access routes. All surgical procedures (with the exception of pediatric scoliosis) are performed by him.
Dr. Illerhaus performs about 300-400 spinal interventions of varying degrees of difficulty each year. Special emphasis is placed on endoscopic spinal surgery, which is performed in very large numbers, as well as motion-preserving surgery (intervertebral disc prostheses) and minimally invasive stabilizing surgical procedures.
He treats patients from all over Germany as well as a large number of patients from all over the world, especially from the USA and Canada.
International Patient Director
For over 25 years Malte has been working as a mediator between thousands of international spine patients, hospitals, and surgeons in Germany.
Malte Petersen
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In 2012 Malte was asked to become head of the international department of ONZ, and his expertise is key to assisting all patients during their time in Germany.
The German Spine Specialists involve Malte in all their thought processes, decisions, diagnosis, complication management, and follow-up procedures, if required – due to his role as spokesman and because of his ability to communicate with empathy in all cultures. In his career, he has accompanied and evaluated over 10,000 spinal patients and their cases around the world. The surgeons appreciate Malte Petersen at eye level as an expert interlocutor.
The Medical Director at Medicos auf Schalke, where all patients learn to move confidently again after hospital discharge.
Dr Vieregge
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Dr. Ulrich Vieregge is the Medical Director at Medicos auf Schalke, where all patients learn to move confidently again after hospital discharge.
Dr. Vieregge believes in a holistic approach to rehabilitation, where the body and mind learn to work together for the best possible outcome. He liaises with certified orthopedic specialists, sports and nutritional scientists, sports coaches, physiotherapists and psychologists to ensure patients receive the support they need during their 6-8 sessions per day.
Patients enjoy Dr. V’s character, sense of humour and caring nature during their recovery.
The ONZi Support Team
ONZi patients have the comfort of a dedicated English-speaking team that is managed prudently by Kirsten von Coburg. She serves as the coordinating liaison between the surgeons, the hospital and rehabilitation centre staff, the expert guide, Malte Petersen, and your North American ONZi Liaison, Kate.
Kirsten
ONZi’s Nurse Practitioner, Susanne, welcomes you into the hospital and oversees your stay, care and medication needs.
Susanne
ONZi Patient Management Assistant, Heidi, works closely with Kirsten to ensure your journey is organized and awaiting you.
Heidi
This ONZi angel will assist with your daily needs, while you are in hospital.