University Medical Center Essen - Ruhrlandklinik
General Thoracic
Member Since: 2024
Biography:
Dr. Servet Bölükbas is a distinguished thoracic surgeon with an extensive background in medical sciences and health business administration. He completed his medical education at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, from 1996 to 2002, earning his Medical Doctor degree. Furthering his expertise, he pursued a Master of Health Business Administration (MHBA) at the same university from 2020 to 2023, focusing his thesis on compliance management systems in the medical technology industry.
His postgraduate training includes residencies in General Surgery at Klinikum Fürth and General Thoracic Surgery at renowned institutions such as Dr. Horst Schmidt Kliniken and Kerckhoff-Klinik, under the mentorship of esteemed professors.
In April 2007, he obtained his PhD for his work on the pharmacokinetics of ceftazidime during intermittent hemofiltration in critically ill patients. He achieved his Habilitation in July 2012 at the University of Mainz with a focus on surgical techniques to avoid pneumonectomy in the treatment of lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma, which corresponds to the level of an Associate Professor. He has held prominent academic positions.
Since July 2022, he has been leading the Department of Thoracic Surgery and Thoracic Endoscopy at University Medical Center Essen - Ruhrlandklinik, where he also directs the Thoracic Translational Oncology Laboratory and holds several key roles in the NCI-designated Lung Cancer Center and Mesothelioma Unit.
His professional history includes leadership roles at Evangelic Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Helios University Hospital Wuppertal, and interim positions at University Hospital Mainz and Sana-Kliniken Düsseldorf-Gerresheim. He has been instrumental in building lung cancer centers from scratch and implementing advanced surgical techniques and technologies to enhance patient outcomes.
He is an active participant in scientific and teaching communities. He has served on numerous committees, including the German National Guidelines for the Management of Lung Cancer and Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, and has been a faculty member for various thoracic surgery courses. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the European Society for Thoracic Surgery (ESTS) and serves on several steering committees within the organization.
His editorial contributions include roles as Assistant Editor and Section Editor for prestigious journals and serving on the editorial boards of several thoracic and surgical journals. He is also a frequent guest reviewer for numerous high-impact medical journals.
He holds multiple licensures and certifications, including Principal Investigator Certification, German Board of General Thoracic Surgeons, Fellow of the European Board of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgeons, and certification as a Console Surgeon for the Da Vinci XI® system.
Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in thoracic surgery, education, and research, significantly contributing to advancements in the field and improving patient care standards.
What Does the AATS Mean to You:
The American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) represents a pinnacle of professional achievement and recognition in the field of thoracic surgery. For me, being a part of AATS is both an honor and a responsibility. It signifies my commitment to advancing the highest standards of surgical care, research, and education in thoracic surgery. The association provides an unparalleled platform for collaboration with some of the most esteemed surgeons and researchers globally, fostering innovation and excellence. It also offers invaluable opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth, ensuring that I stay at the forefront of the latest developments and techniques in thoracic surgery. Ultimately, AATS embodies a community dedicated to improving patient outcomes and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in our field.
My First Experience with AATS:
My first experience with the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) was truly memorable. As a resident from Germany, I had the opportunity to attend the AATS Meeting, which was an exciting transatlantic journey for me. The event itself was incredibly impressive, with a large scale and a remarkable level of organization.
I was thrilled to meet and interact with many esteemed thoracic surgeons whose names I had only known from textbooks. The accessibility and openness of these renowned professionals were inspiring; they were willing to share their insights and experiences, which was invaluable for my own professional development.
The quality of the research presentations was outstanding. Each session was filled with cutting-edge research and innovative techniques, reinforcing the importance of staying current in our rapidly evolving field. This experience not only expanded my knowledge but also motivated me to strive for excellence in my own career.
Overall, attending the AATS Meeting was a defining moment for me, solidifying my dedication to thoracic surgery and my aspiration to contribute to this prestigious community.
Why I became an AATS member:
Becoming a member of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) was a natural progression in my career, driven by several key motivations. Firstly, AATS is renowned for its commitment to excellence in thoracic surgery, both in clinical practice and research. Being part of such a prestigious organization allows me to stay at the forefront of the latest advancements and innovations in our field.
Secondly, AATS membership provides unparalleled opportunities for networking and collaboration with leading thoracic surgeons worldwide. This network is invaluable for sharing knowledge, discussing complex cases, and advancing our collective expertise.
Moreover, the high-quality educational resources and annual meetings offered by AATS are exceptional. They provide a platform for continuous learning and professional development, which is essential for maintaining the highest standards of patient care.
Finally, I was inspired by the legacy and impact of AATS members on the field of thoracic surgery. Joining this esteemed community allows me to contribute to the ongoing advancements in our specialty and to be part of an organization that is dedicated to improving patient outcomes globally.
Overall, becoming an AATS member aligns with my professional goals and my commitment to excellence in thoracic surgery.
The most impactful presentation I have seen at an AATS meeting:
Guest speakers bring diverse viewpoints and experiences that enrich our understanding of leadership. Their talks are a reminder that effective leadership principles are universal and can greatly benefit our practice and personal development as thoracic surgeons.
For example, Arnold Schwarzenegger's presentation provided a fascinating look at leadership from a different angle. His experiences in politics, sports, and entertainment highlighted the importance of vision, perseverance, and adaptability, qualities that are crucial for success in any field, including healthcare.
The first presentation I gave is:
The first presentation I gave at an AATS meeting was on "Lung-sparing Radical Pleurectomy followed by adjuvant Chemoradiation in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma." This took place at the 91st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, held from May 7-11, 2011, in Pennsylvania, USA.
Presenting this work was an exhilarating experience, particularly because it sparked a very hot discussion with the chairman, the late Professor David J. Sugarbaker. At that time, our approach was against the mainstream opinion, which made the debate even more intense and memorable.
Despite the challenges, it was an invaluable opportunity to present innovative ideas and contribute to the evolving dialogue in thoracic surgery. The feedback and rigorous discussion that followed helped refine my perspectives and approach. This experience was instrumental in my professional development and reinforced my dedication to advancing treatment options for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
The first paper I had published is:
The first paper I had published was titled "Pulmonary resection of non-small cell lung cancer: is survival in the elderly not affected by tumor stage after complete resection?" It was published in Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery in December 2008 (56(8): 476-81), and I was proud to be the first author on this work.
Publishing this paper was a pivotal moment in my career, as it highlighted my commitment to advancing thoracic surgery research and provided valuable insights into the treatment of lung cancer in elderly patients. The experience of conducting this research and seeing it through to publication was immensely rewarding and set the foundation for my future contributions to the field.
I plan on becoming more involved in the organization through:
I plan to become more involved in the AATS organization through several key initiatives:
1. Transatlantic Exchange: I am committed to fostering stronger ties between thoracic surgeons in Europe and North America. By promoting transatlantic exchanges, I aim to facilitate the sharing of knowledge, techniques, and best practices that can benefit both regions. This could include organizing joint conferences, collaborative research projects, and exchange programs for surgeons at different stages of their careers.
2. Mentorship: I believe strongly in the power of mentorship and am dedicated to mentoring the next generation of thoracic surgeons.
3. Scientific Collaborations: Collaboration is key to advancing our field, and I am eager to engage in scientific collaborations with other AATS members. By working together on research projects, clinical trials, and innovative surgical techniques, we can drive progress and improve patient outcomes.
Overall, my goal is to contribute to the AATS community in meaningful ways that promote knowledge exchange, mentorship, and scientific innovation. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to playing a more active role in the organization.
A significant case/patient interaction that impacted my career is:
This experience underscored the human side of thoracic surgery. It reminded me that beyond the technical skills and medical knowledge, the compassion and support we provide to our patients and their families are equally important."
My career in CT Surgery was inspired by:
My career in Cardiothoracic (CT) Surgery was inspired by a combination of personal experiences, influential mentors, and a deep fascination with the complexity of the human chest.
From an early age, I was captivated by the intricacies of the human body and the life-saving potential of surgical interventions. During my medical education and early clinical rotations, I had the opportunity to witness several complex thoracic surgeries. The precision, skill, and profound impact these procedures had on patients' lives left a lasting impression on me.
A pivotal moment in my decision to pursue CT Surgery was meeting Prof. Vogt-Moykopf, the founding father of the European Society of Thoracic Surgeons (ESTS) and the German Society of Thoracic Surgeons. His pioneering work and visionary leadership in the field of thoracic surgery were incredibly inspiring. Observing his dedication to advancing thoracic surgery and his commitment to excellence reinforced my desire to follow in his footsteps.
Equally influential was my mentorship under Prof. Schirren, a master surgical fellow of Prof. Vogt-Moykopf. Prof. Schirren not only demonstrated exceptional surgical skills but also showed a profound dedication to patient care and innovation in the field. His passion for thoracic surgery and commitment to advancing the specialty through research and education were incredibly motivating. Learning from such a distinguished surgeon provided me with invaluable insights and deepened my commitment to this challenging and rewarding field.
Additionally, the challenge of diagnosing and treating a wide range of thoracic conditions, from lung cancer to complex airway diseases, appealed to my desire to make a significant difference in patients' lives. The opportunity to work on life-saving surgeries and improve patients' quality of life solidified my decision to specialize in this field.
Moreover, the constant evolution of surgical techniques and technologies in CT Surgery continues to drive my passion. The ability to contribute to the advancement of minimally invasive procedures and novel treatment approaches keeps me motivated and excited about the future of this specialty.
In summary, a blend of early fascination, inspirational mentors like Prof. Vogt-Moykopf and Prof. Schirren, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives inspired my career in Cardiothoracic Surgery. It is a field that continually challenges and rewards me, and I am committed to contributing to its advancement.
A significant case/patient interaction that impacted my career is:
A significant case that had a profound impact on my career involved a patient with advanced lung cancer who underwent a complex thoracic surgery. This interaction highlighted the profound responsibility and unique privilege of being a CT surgeon.
The patient, a middle-aged individual with a young family, faced a daunting diagnosis that required immediate and aggressive surgical intervention. The complexity of the case required meticulous planning and execution, and the surgery was both challenging and demanding. Throughout the process, I maintained close communication with the patient and their family, providing updates, reassurance, and support.
The surgery was successful, and the patient's recovery, although difficult, was remarkable. The gratitude expressed by the patient and their family was deeply moving. They shared how the successful outcome had given them the gift of more time together, allowing them to create more precious memories.
This experience underscored the human side of thoracic surgery. It reminded me that beyond the technical skills and medical knowledge, the compassion and support we provide to our patients and their families are equally important. Being a CT surgeon means being part of many lives and stories, witnessing both the struggles and triumphs of our patients.
The appreciation and joy from the patient and their family reinforced my dedication to this field. It reminded me why I chose this path, to make a meaningful difference in people's lives, to give them hope, and to be a part of their journey through difficult times. This case strengthened my resolve to continue striving for excellence in my practice and to never lose sight of the profound impact we have as surgeons.
The biggest impact my mentor had on my career is:
The biggest impact my mentor had on my career was his holistic approach to thoracic surgery, combining technical excellence, innovative thinking, and a deep commitment to patient care and education. His influence continues to guide my professional journey and inspires me to uphold these values in all aspects of my work.
The topic most important to advancing the field of CT Surgery is:
Advancing the field of CT Surgery requires a multifaceted approach that includes innovation, collaboration, education, patient-centered care, global exchange, evidence-based practices, preventive measures, and strong advocacy for resources. By focusing on these areas, we can continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in cardiothoracic surgery and improve the lives of patients worldwide.
The most pressing issues impacting CT surgery are:
The field of Cardiothoracic (CT) Surgery faces several pressing issues that significantly impact its practice, particularly in Europe. Among these, the shortage of personnel and other resources stands out as a critical challenge. There is a growing shortage of skilled CT surgeons and support staff. The demanding nature of the work, long hours, and high stress levels deter many from entering the field. This shortage is exacerbated by an aging workforce, with many experienced surgeons approaching retirement without enough new surgeons to replace them. Hospitals and surgical centers often face limitations in terms of equipment, funding, and infrastructure. Advanced technologies and state-of-the-art facilities are crucial for performing complex CT surgeries, but these resources are not always available or equitably distributed, especially from global point of view.
Advice for Trainees:
My advice for trainees is to always follow your dreams and never underestimate your potential. As Walt Disney famously said, "If you can dream it, you can do it." This quote perfectly encapsulates the mindset you need to succeed in the challenging field of cardiothoracic surgery.
Believe in your abilities and stay committed to your goals, even when the path seems difficult. The journey to becoming a CT surgeon is demanding, requiring dedication, perseverance, and a continuous desire to learn. Embrace the challenges as opportunities to grow and improve.
Seek out mentors who inspire you and learn from their experiences. Surround yourself with a supportive network of colleagues who share your passion and drive. Remember that every step you take brings you closer to your dreams, and every patient you help is a testament to your hard work and commitment.
Stay curious, keep pushing the boundaries, and never stop dreaming. The field of cardiothoracic surgery is constantly evolving, and your contributions can make a significant impact. Trust in yourself, follow your dreams, and know that with determination and effort, you can achieve great things.