October 5, 2023

The GdF theme evening "Building at Hannover Medical School - past and future" took the members of the Society of Friends on an exciting journey through time: back to the founding phase of Hannover Medical School through to the current status and future plans for the new MHH building.

The evening began with a tour of the permanent exhibition "The Hannover Model. The Hannover Medical School 1961-1971". The guided tour with Professor Heiko Stoff from the Institute of History, Ethics and Philosophy of Medicine at the MHH began in 1961, when the Ministry of Lower Saxony decided to establish a medical academy in Hannover. The press was soon talking about the "Hanover Model". Architects Konstanty Gutschow and Godber Nissen were responsible for planning the building. In the new "academy with a reform character", the innovative content concepts were to be reflected, among other things, in a modified spatial planning.

The new MHH building currently being planned also offers potential for innovative ideas. Sascha Zenker, Managing Director of Hochschulmedizin Bau- und Facility Management Hannover GmbH (HBG), therefore rounded off the GdF theme evening with his presentation on the new MHH building. He explained how the focus was on sustainable construction as well as digitalization in medicine and building technology. For example, the simultaneous operation of the technical systems in the old building and the planned new building, which will be equipped with new digital technology, as is planned for the MHH, at least temporarily, will pose an additional challenge. After the presentation, our members had the opportunity to ask questions, including about bomb disposal on the site for the new hospital building and the planned light rail connection for the new MHH building.

Note: The permanent exhibition "The Hannover Model. The Hannover Medical School 1961-1971" is open to visitors Monday to Friday from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. and can be viewed free of charge during this time.

October 11, 2023

"From September 26 to 29, 2023, I attended the conference of the German Society for Immunology, financially supported by the Society of Friends of the MHH. This year, the conference was held as a joint congress with the Société Française d'Immunologie in Strasbourg. Not only German and French scientists, but also numerous researchers from other nations were offered the opportunity to network and exchange research results through lectures, posters and workshops. As I am currently working on a topic at the interface of immunology and microbiology as part of my experimental medical doctoral thesis, the conference was a good opportunity for me to present my own results in the form of a poster. This gave me my first experience of presenting scientific data to a specialist audience outside the MHH. Overall, I can look back on four interesting days in France, from which I took away a lot - both in terms of knowledge gained and motivation for further work on my research project."

The Society of Friends of the MHH supported the visit to the conference of the German Society for Immunology in Strasbourg and the presentation of the poster with a travel grant. We would like to thank Christina Schmidt for her travel report.

August 9, 2023

Showing commitment to healthy children's hearts - it was easy in July 2023 with the PSD HerzFahrt. All it took was a bike and the free HerzFahrt app, which measured the distance ridden. For every kilometer ridden, PSD Bank Hannover eG donated 0.25 euros to the Society of Friends of MHH. All proceeds went to the Clinical Department of Paediatric Cardiology and Paediatric Intensive Care Medicine at Hannover Medical School. Over 16,429 euros were raised from the charity bike ride. This donation will be used to finance a diagnostic system for three-dimensional imaging. This will enable operations to be planned more precisely and the procedure for an operation to be made clearer to the parents of sick children.

Prof. Philipp Beerbaum, Director of the Clinical Department of Paediatric Cardiology and Paediatric Intensive Care Medicine at MHH, thanked all those who had supported the HerzFahrt so successfully with their sporting efforts when handing over the cheque. Whether young or old, sports or leisure cyclists: around 800 participants took part and pedaled for a good cause. A total of around 67,000 kilometers were cycled. "A remarkable effort by all those who cycled for the campaign! They have made a great contribution to our young patients," explains Dr. Eckhard Schenke, Deputy Chairman of the Society of Friends of the MHH.

The Society of Friends would like to thank PSD Bank for this great campaign and all those who cycled for the benefit of MHH Children's Cardiology!

June 21, 2023

"From June 10 to 13, 2023, the 56th European Human Genetics Conference took place in Glasgow. This annual conference brings together geneticists from all over the world to network and present and discuss the latest research findings in lectures, poster presentations, symposia and workshops. As part of the StrucMed program of the HBRS, I am currently also researching a human genetics issue for my medical doctoral thesis. Therefore, with the financial support of the Gesellschaft der Freunde der MHH e. V., I had the opportunity to travel to Glasgow and present my results on a poster. I really enjoyed the exchange with the more than 4,000 international scientists at the conference and was able to take a lot away from the days in Scotland. Now I can get back to my daily lab routine with new ideas for my project and fresh motivation."

The Society of Friends of the MHH supported the visit to the conference and the presentation of the poster with a travel grant. We would like to thank Anna Beening for her travel report.

June 13, 2023

It has been two and a half years since Peter Konrad was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). The sports journalist, who wrote for the Peiner Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper and volunteered as club chairman for VfB Peine for many years, has been undergoing treatment at Hannover Medical School ever since. As ALS is still considered an incurable disease despite intensive research, the 59-year-old's condition has increasingly deteriorated. He has gradually had to give up passions such as soccer and playing the saxophone. Today, he is in a wheelchair and can only communicate via a speech computer. "Having to watch your own father become more and more trapped in his body and the strain this situation places on everyone involved is something you wouldn't wish on anyone," says Konrad's daughter Lara, who is studying medicine in Leipzig. In order to take action in this situation where there is little they can do as a family, Lara Konrad, her sister Nele Konrad and their mother Petra Hey decided to take part in the Leipzig Triathlon in July 2023 - and turn it into a fundraising campaign for ALS research at the MHH. In the first four days alone that their page has been online on a donation portal, over 19,000 euros have been raised. We are completely enthusiastic about this campaign and are keeping our fingers crossed for a great result - both for the triathlon and for the donation pot!

You candonate directly online on Lara Konrad's campaign page. If you need a donation receipt (please let us know your address) or would simply like to make a classic bank transfer, the Society of Friends of MHH accepts your donations at the following bank details:

Gesellschaft der Freunde der MHH e. V.
Commerzbank Hannover
IBAN DE 39 2504 0066 0312 0003 00
BIC COBADEFFXXX

May 23, 2023

What data do we produce voluntarily or involuntarily, consciously or unconsciously? In a joint project, students on the Visual Journalism and Documentary Photography and Journalism study programmes at Hanover University of Applied Sciences and Arts investigated what data they generate and where it is available. The question associated with the chosen topic, "What does (my) data tell us?" required a double look at our own everyday lives. Students Anna Schellhase, Lorenz Alois Huter and Alexander Nowak devoted themselves to the question of air quality as part of the project. The result is nine photo motifs and an extensive interview with Prof. Dr. Tobias Welte, Director of the Clinical Department of Pneumology and Infectious Diseases at the MHH. The Society of Friends of the MHH is presenting both from today until the summer in the MHH art gallery (in the shopping arcade at Café Kanne/Node A, turn left towards the Women's Clinic).

May 15, 2023

"Thanks to the support of the "Gesellschaft der Freunde der MHH e. V.", I had the opportunity to travel to the international symposium "Acute Leukemias XVIII" in Munich in March 2023. Every two years, experts come together there to present the current state of research in the field of acute leukemias. The discussions that follow offer the opportunity to ask the speakers questions and exchange specialist knowledge. As part of a poster presentation, I myself had the opportunity to present the results of our "Leukemia Research Working Group" to an expert audience. This was my first time at the congress, so I was a little nervous at the beginning. However, I quickly got into conversation with other congress participants, which made me feel comfortable and ultimately I didn't find it too difficult to discuss our poster with the attendees. Both this direct exchange and the specialist presentations gave me a lot of input for further work on our project. So I was able to travel home to Hanover with many new impressions and experiences and feel encouraged by my participation in "Acute Leukemias XVIII" to continue pursuing activities in the field of leukemia research."

The Society of Friends of the MHH supported the visit to the symposium and the presentation of the poster with a travel grant. We would like to thank Ms. Krüger for her travel report.

January 9, 2023

Almost three years ago, MHH student Maleen Fiddicke and Dean of Studies Prof. Dr. Dr. Ingo Just founded the Hannover Student Polyclinic (StuPoliH). The idea behind it: MHH students offer free medical care to people without health insurance, gain practical experience at the same time and, on top of that, can have this credited as a course achievement as part of an elective course. Maleen Fiddicke has now completed her studies, but StuPoliH still opens its doors every Wednesday afternoon in the Caritas offices on Leibnizufer.

"People come to us with a wide variety of health problems. These range from chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure to wound care and emergency situations," explains Joana Wrasse, who is currently working as a tutor on the project. In two treatment rooms at the same time, students on the elective course work together with student tutors from advanced semesters to care for patients under medical supervision. Both general practitioners from the Hannover region and physicians from the MHH's Department of Anesthesia and Emergency Medicine are involved as teaching physicians.

"The care options for people without health insurance are limited. This makes care services such as those provided by Caritas all the more important. We are very grateful to be able to provide patients with basic medical care on site as part of the cooperation, to be able to supply them with donated medicines if necessary and to have a network of specialist practices on hand to provide care free of charge. But it's not just the patients who benefit from the consultation hours," emphasizes Wrasse, "We students can learn a lot personally and professionally and learn to take responsibility under close medical supervision."

There are currently five tutors working at the Hannover Student Polyclinic: Lisa Bolduan, Zeinab Houjaije, Mareike Sack, Tatjana Vydrenko and Joana Wrasse. On the medical side, general practitioner Dr. Sabine Klinger and MHH anaesthetist Dr. Lars Friedrich are responsible for organizing the project. The Society of Friends of the MHH supports StuPoliH with 8,000 euros a year, which is mainly used to finance the tutor positions.

September 30, 2022

This year's general meeting of the Society of Friends of MHH took place in lecture hall H and offered all those interested in MHH a varied overview of the current situation at MHH. Prof. Dr. Dr. Michael P. Manns, President of MHH, reported on MHH, in particular on the upcoming Excellence Initiative in 2025. However, the promotion of young talent, the progress of the construction project and the generational change that has begun in the clinic management and will also shape the coming months were also topics of his presentation.

Following the formal part of the general meeting, Prof. Dr. Dr. Markus Cornberg presented the Centre for Individualized Infection Medicine, which follows a central insight of the ancient physician Hippocrates: "It is more important to know which person has a disease than to know which disease a person has.". Cornberg explains the importance of personalized medicine, which uses genetic testing to determine how the interaction of different viruses, host factors and environmental conditions influence the course of an infection. Conversely, the aim is for every patient to receive medication that is tailored precisely to their needs. This not only avoids side effects and resistance, but also saves a considerable amount of money. The center has already been established virtually, and the ground-breaking ceremony for a wooden building in the immediate vicinity of the MHH is scheduled for 23.11.2022.

The members of the Society of Friends of MHH then brought the evening to a lively close with a shared snack.

21.09.2022

Prof. Dr. med. Fritz Hartmann (1920-2007), the first elected rector of Hannover Medical School, was regarded as the philosopher among internists. With his medical anthropology, he repeatedly placed the relationship between patient and physician at the center of his clinical-theoretical considerations. With this focus, he not only shaped the Hannover Medical School (which he co-founded), but also the physician and sociologist Prof. Dr. med. et phil. Heiner Raspe, who has now published a book about his long-time boss and mentor with financial support from the Society of Friends of the MHH.

"When I moved to Hanover in 1978 to take up my position with him, he welcomed our family personally," says Raspe. "He lived in a magnificent house at the end of Birkenweg, and we had found a terraced house at the beginning of the street. I'll never forget how he and his wife came to greet us from the street across the building site with a Gugelhupf in their hands on the evening we moved in." As he says himself, Raspe experienced clinical adulthood in Hartmann's rheumatology department, as his assistant, senior physician and briefly as interim head of the department. In addition to purely medical issues, he and Fritz Hartmann shared an interest in medical theory, particularly anthropological issues, throughout their time together. The personal contact, also with Hartmann's wife, remained after his retirement in 1988 and after his own move to the University of Lübeck.

The idea of dedicating a book to his mentor and his medical anthropology matured over the years. The result is a 300-page work in which Raspe discusses this anthropology in its basic features (also epistemologically) and relates it to Hartmann's life and the beginnings of the MHH. The middle section of the monograph contains 14 original texts by Fritz Hartmann, eight of which are printed for the first time, and is regularly available in bookshops. By the way: The library of the Institute of Ethics, History and Philosophy at the MHH also has a copy.

31.05.2022

What sounds a bit like renovating your own home turns out on closer inspection to be the MHH-AStA's latest project. The "living room" meeting place, which is a café, study space and party location all in one, last underwent a comprehensive makeover in 2015 and now the paint was off, as they say. The walls are therefore being painted and a new carpet laid on the lounge platform. Previously, several trusses had already been installed to make it easier to install additional light sources for discussion evenings, art exhibitions and parties. Two larger murals are also planned, which will be created by students. "We're happy that things are finally getting off to a good start," say Hannah Beecken and Nele Breuste from the student association Campus Life e.V., which organizes the events and café operations in the living room. Maximilian Marcial, who is responsible for the association's finances, and Daniel Gussarow (photo) are also wielding brushes and paint rollers. The renovation was made possible in part by a grant of 5,000 euros from the MHH Friends' Association.

May 19, 2022

"When we came to Hanover a good 30 years ago, many things were new to us. I was surprised, for example, that the people of Hanover - when asked about the special features of their city - always emphasized the Hannover Medical School. Over time, I came to understand the basis for this appreciation of "their" MHH, which extends far beyond the city and state borders. I have great respect and admiration for the outstanding work carried out by MHH staff in a wide variety of areas. And I am delighted that I can make a small contribution to supporting this special institution through my involvement with the Society of Friends of MHH."

Cornelia Manns studied biology and English for secondary education in Mainz and Exeter, England, and worked as a teacher until moving to Hanover, where she is married to Prof. Dr. Michael Manns, who has been President of MHH since 2019.

May 4, 2022

Last Thursday, not only the MHH spring concert celebrated a small revival after a two-year break. Future Day was also held at the MHH in person again for the first time. On this day of action, also known as Girls' and Boys' Day, companies open their doors to give pupils an impression of their daily work. At MHH, fifth-graders Aurélie Neim Koyou and Lilli Morchner from IGS List, among others, got a taste of Fundraising: they were extremely active in supporting the preparations for this year's MHH spring concert, which is regularly held as a thank-you for the members and donors of the MHH plus Foundation and the Society of Friends of MHH. We have captured how the two girls spent the day with us in a small picture gallery for you.

to the gallery

April 28, 2022

The supporters of the Gesellschaft der Freunde der MHH e.V. and the Förderstiftung MHH plus had to wait three years for the Mädchenchor Hannover, but on April 28, 2022, the concert, which had been postponed several times due to the pandemic, was made up for in front of almost 300 guests in Lecture Hall F at Hannover Medical School.

To the detailed report with picture gallery

April 21, 2022

Thanks to the Society of Friends of the MHH (GdF), there is a new addition to the dental laboratory of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: a suitcase-sized 3D printer that can be used to produce models up to 30 cm in size for a wide variety of purposes in patient care, teaching and research. The GdF provided almost 13,000 euros to enable the Clinical Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery to expand its technical capabilities. "We already have several smaller 3D printers here, in which we mainly process sterile material, e.g. for implants," explains dental technician Stephan Oelker. "But now we are also able to print larger models, e.g. of a complete skull. This allows our surgeons to explain to the patient in advance what will happen during the operation. And in particularly complex cases, such models are also used to plan the individual steps precisely and concretely." But the device is also used in teaching: students can simply grasp certain facts more quickly using the models. And in research, 3D printing is one of the most promising areas of focus for the future. This includes materials science, which is also being further developed at the MHH, partly as part of doctoral studies. The bottom line is that it is a sensible investment in every respect. With this in mind: "Happy printing!"

April 11, 2022

"As an economist and marketing expert, it is particularly important to me to make a contribution to the Society of Friends of the MHH (GdF) in its many activities to promote the MHH. The GdF, with all the people who have accompanied it with their membership and donations for over 50 years, is a living example of Hannover's active civil society. It has supported the MHH through a wide range of projects in science, research, teaching and patient care and will continue to do so reliably. Being able to play an active role on the GdF Board is not only a pleasure for me, but also a great honour."

Prof. Dr. Christa Seja taught general business administration and marketing at Hanover University of Applied Sciences and Arts from 1993 to 2017, after which she worked as a lecturer and consultant for strategic marketing.

March 18, 2022

"The Society of Friends of Hannover Medical School is a link between this outstanding research institution and civilian urban society. As a citizen, I find it very exciting to learn about and discuss new research findings and medical developments directly from the researchers. At the same time, the support and social integration of the institution and the scientists from civil society, both ideally and financially, is a common goal. I would like to promote this process with my commitment."

Elke Hlawatschek studied history and has been Managing Director of the TUI Foundation for 15 years.

March 12, 2022

"Since the founding days of the MHH, the Society of Friends has been a constant companion of the university. It has grown up with the university and has enriched the scientific community, patient care and also the educational situation of the many students with its advice and support. I also want to do my bit for this, especially in the current difficult times of social fragmentation, which do not exactly favor a firm commitment to a non-profit association."

Prof. Dr. Siegfried Piepenbrock headed the Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine at the MHH from 1996-2009 and has been involved in voluntary work for the MHH for over 15 years, whether as Chairman of the Board of the MHH-Alumni e.V. or as a member of the Board of Trustees of the MHH plus Foundation.

February 22, 2022

"I am committed to the Society of Friends of MHH because the many friends and supporters from the civil society of Hannover and Lower Saxony find a promising environment rich in tradition here, which favors philanthropy and especially the commitment to improving medical research and patient care. Hannover Medical School is an outstanding medical institution in Germany. Through the Society of Friends, I would like to help ensure that this position is maintained and expanded in the best possible way."

Dr. Eckhard Schenke studied humanities and has worked in the non-profit sector in agencies and associations for over 25 years and for the MHH since 2009.

February 15, 2022

"In my opinion, the MHH is one of the most important medical Facilities or Institutions in our country. However, our university does not receive the recognition, support and funding in all areas that I believe it deserves. I see this as one of our most important tasks - to secure one of the best medical care facilities, universities and research institutions in Germany. I have strong personal ties to the MHH through my studies and my doctorate. In my everyday professional life as a physician in private practice, it remains the focal point of high medical competence. As Chairman of the Hanover District Office of the Medical Association, the MHH is one of the most important partners in networking the various areas of care."

Dr. Thomas Buck

November 30, 2021

At the general meeting of the Society of Friends of MHH, the previous board took its leave. New members were elected:

• Prof. Dr. Siegfried Piepenbrock (Chairman)
• Cornelia Manns (deputy chairwoman)
• Dr. Eckhard Schenke (Deputy Chairman)
• Prof. Dr. Frank Bengel
• Dr. Thomas Buck
• Elke Hlawatschek
• Prof. Dr. Christa Seja
• Andreas Vietgen