Dr. Lothar Göbel studied medicine at the University
of Würzburg and is now active as a consultant in the
fields of inventions,  patents,  research  and develop-
ment,  and  company  formation.   Beyond   that,  he 
remains creative,  not  only  in  medical  technology
but also, for example, as a sculptor.

Foto: Frau Claudia 
Zocher Markelsheim

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What did you study? In which field did you earn your doctorate?

Medicine

What did you particularly enjoy about yous sudies? your doctorate?

The preclinical, scientific part of the medical studies was formative for me.  The  genius loci 
of Würzburg played a significant role in this.  The  spiri t of  charismatic  scientists  from the
19th century  and  earlier was still alive  in the old university quarter  around the Juliusspital,
before the “Medical College Building” was replaced  by a parking lot.  Dr. Rinecker’s  spirit
was alive in the “Polyclinic,”  and Konrad Röntgen’s  presence  was  undeniable.  This made
the offerings of the Institute for the History of Medicine  particularly  fascinating  for  me!  I 
only realized the coherence of this “cocktail” much later.
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What are you currently doing?

I couldn’t  bear  retirement.  Now,  I work  as a consultant in the areas of inventions, patents,
research  and development,  and  company  formation.  Beyond  that,  I remain creative,  not
only in medical technology but also, for example, as a sculptor.

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Which stages of your professional life would you highlight?

I had a life before my studies, in military service and administration,  which I wouldn’t want
to have missed.  After  my  studies,  clinical research followed at various clinical institutions
and in thepharmaceutical and medical technology industries.  This  led  to  my first company
formation based on my own inventions and patents in medical technology,  which resulted in
successful sales to major industry players (Kimberly-Clark).  This allowed me  a fifteen-year
episode running  my own naturopathic practice,  which  above  all  taught  me  about  human
nature.  Eventually,  I returned  to  further  inventions  in  medical  technology  and  founded
another company. That seems to be my gift.
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How can you apply what you learned during your studies at the University of
Würzburg to your profession?
During my time at the University of Würzburg,  there  was  still  a  great  deal  of freedom in
designing an individual course of study,   fostering personal responsibility  and creativity.  In
addition to the undeniably excellent professional training,  it  greatly  helped  me that I could
freely develop, almost in the spirit of the pioneers. Thanks to the old masters! You ultimately
inspired me to create a series of beneficial inventions. 

The successful growth of a tree requires the care of its roots!
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