THE CLINIC
The Földiklinik in Hinterzarten
The Földiklinik is a specialist clinic for lymphology that carries out inpatient and outpatient treatments for diseases of the lymphatic system. The funding bodies include all statutory and private health insurance providers, pension insurance carriers, and professional associations.
Our philosophy is to reconcile the thinking of medical progress with high humanitarian demands. We offer interconnected forms of treatment under one roof: including medicinal, physical, and surgical therapies as well as emergency care.
The Team of the Földiklinik
At the Földiklinik, you will be cared for by a highly qualified team that supports you on your journey to your personal goal. The collaboration of the interdisciplinary, lymphologically skilled medical team with experienced physiotherapists, nursing staff, psychotherapists, dietitians, certified wound therapists, hygiene officers, and social counselling ensures the optimal care of our patients.
Prof. Dr. med. E. Földi
Dr. med. Martha Földi
Sylvia Dirscherl
Management
Dr. med. Michael Oberlin
Specialist in Internal Medicine
Internal Focus: Wound Management / Lymphology
Pediatric Lymphology / Vascular Malformations
Medical Director of Földischule
Dr. med. Tobias Bertsch
Specialist in Internal Medicine
Certified Adipologist (DAG, DDG)
Specialist Certification of Obesity Professional Education (SCOPE)
Emergency Medicine
Diploma in Social Education
Ina Rüsing-Kohsiek
Chief Senior Physician
Specialist in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Additional Qualification in Social Medicine
Dr. med. Kathrin Jung
Doctor
Focus Areas
Focus Areas of Inpatient Treatment:
- General Lymphology
- Oncological Lymphology
- Pediatric Lymphology
- Gynaecological Lymphology
- Geriatric Lymphology
- Obesity-associated Lymphoedema
- Wound Management
- Complex Vascular Malformations
- Treatment of Lipoedema Syndrome
- Lymphological Surgery in Cooperation
Indications
Primary Lymphoedema:
Caused by congenital maldevelopment of the lymphatic vessels.
Secondary Lymphoedema:
Limbs, chest, head/neck, genitals following cancer treatments and cancer recurrences as well as after surgeries.
Post-traumatic Lymphoedema:
After accidents and severe inflammations.
Obesity-associated Lymphoedema:
Lymphoedema caused by massive overweight.
Multifactorial Lymphoedema:
Lymphoedema resulting from multiple diseases.
Complex Vascular Malformations:
with accompanying lymphoedema.
Maldevelopment of the lymphatic vessels of internal organs:
- with protein-losing enteropathy
- with chylous effusions of the thoracic and abdominal cavities; reflux.
Lymphoedema combinations:
- post-thrombotic syndrome with or without open wounds.
- Phlebolymphedema in the context of varicose veins.
- Oedema in the course of rheumatic/orthopaedic/neurological diseases and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
Lipoedema Syndrome
Diagnostics
- Internal clinical physical examination and laboratory tests
- ECG
- 24-hour blood pressure monitoring
- echocardiography
- Ultrasound of the abdomen, thyroid, and soft tissues
- Ultrasound of lymphoedemas
- Lung function test
- Duplex ultrasound of arteries and veins
- Special lymphological function tests (Streeten test, cream test)
Research
Only through scientific work that addresses questions relevant to the lymphatic system will the field of lymphology grow. Conversely, neighbouring fields can be enriched by lymphological aspects through this interface.
The European Research and Funding Association of Lymphology (EFFL) supports clinical research projects and participates in diverse collaborations and fundamental research projects.
Certificates
The aim of quality management is the continuous improvement of services, making the optimal use of available resources, and achieving the highest possible patient satisfaction.
The Földiklinik - international centre for lymphology - has been successfully meeting quality management criteria since 2004. Currently, the Földiklinik is certified according to ISO 9001 and QMS-Reha.
Stoßwellentherapie
QMS-Reha
TOP Arbeitgeber im Mittelstand 2024
Gutes Essen in der Reha
The Földiklinik - Pioneers of Lymphology
The Földiklinik, founded in 1979 by the physician couple Prof. Dr. med. Michael and Prof. Dr. med. Etelka Földi, has been at the forefront of lymphological treatment in Germany for over four decades. As a specialised clinic, it has not only revolutionised the care of patients with lymphoedema but has also significantly contributed to the development and establishment of complex physical decongestive therapy (KPE).
In April 1979, the Földi Clinic was founded as a specialized lymphology clinic in Feldberg-Altglashütten. The Haus Sommerberg, a former spa facility of a savings bank with 60 beds, was leased by the physician couple Prof. Dr. med. Michael and Prof. Dr. med. Etelka Földi.
After appropriate renovations, the clinic was approved for patient care according to § 30 GWO and was recognized as a specialized hospital by healthcare providers according to § 184 RVO. Within a very short time, the demand for lymphological treatment increased, leading to the additional rental of a hotel near the clinic with 22 beds (Haus Brunk).
At that time, the medical staff consisted of 4 doctors, 8 nurses, and 14 therapists. These were years of improvisation, and there was a pioneering spirit: patients were delighted about the newly created opportunity to treat their lymphedema in a specialized clinic.
Similarly, the treating physicians and therapists increasingly gained lymphological experience and optimized individual diagnostic and treatment strategies. During this time, the interdisciplinary principle of lymphological patient care was already established: patients with secondary lymphedema after cancer therapies were treated in cooperation with the oncological center of the University Hospital Freiburg.
Lymphoscintigraphies and other imaging examinations were performed at the District Hospital Emmendingen.
In 1979, Prof. E. Földi received statutory health insurance authorization for lymphological consultations, making outpatient lymphedema treatment possible in addition to inpatient care. Manual lymphatic drainage was supplemented with additional measures in the clinic and established as Complex Decongestive Therapy.
Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) is now recognized as the foundation of conservative lymphedema treatment, embedded within a comprehensive internal medicine concept.
The therapeutic successes were convincing. Numerous doctors from Germany and abroad visited the specialized clinic, as did hospital operators and health politicians; the plan was to establish a model clinic, supported by federal and state governments, which the clinic founders welcomed.
After this plan failed in Stuttgart, the clinic management took their own initiative and, without shying away from risks, ensured the further development of the specialized lymphology clinic:
The Földi couple acquired the Hotel Weißes Rössle in Hinterzarten, which at the time had 96 beds. After extensive renovation work, the Földi Clinic was able to reopen its doors there on September 24, 1986. In line with the new requirements, the number of employees increased: 7 doctors, 15 nurses, 24 physiotherapists, and service personnel.
The expansion of the clinic was reflected not only in the increase in the number of beds but also in the optimization of the interdisciplinary treatment of our patients.
The demand for therapy places continued to grow. Despite the first healthcare reform laws in 1989, plans for expanding the Földi Clinic by 37 beds were submitted to the healthcare providers. As a result, a new ward was able to open in 1992.
The second expansion phase also began with 37 beds in 2003/2004. Today, the Földi Clinic has 152 beds across 4 wards, which have been named after pioneers of lymphology. From the beginning, the Földi Clinic has always been characterized by team spirit and a good atmosphere among its now 170 employees.
The collaboration with the University Hospital Freiburg has expanded, and a cooperation agreement has been signed.
Within the clinic, various specializations have been established, such as pediatric lymphology, i.e., the care of children with congenital lymphedema; oncological lymphology, i.e., the care of patients with secondary lymphedema after cancer; and geriatric lymphology, i.e., the care of elderly patients with lymphedema and typically numerous comorbidities.
Another focus area of the Földi Clinic is the interdisciplinary care of patients with obesity-related lymphedema. Comprehensive dietary counseling, exercise programs, and psychological support have been established.
Especially appealing location in the Black Forest
The Földiklinik is located in a particularly appealing area of the Black Forest, offering patients a variety of opportunities. The nearby town of Hinterzarten invites visitors to stroll and enjoy coffee, while the surrounding nature is ideal for therapeutic activities.
Depending on their physical condition, patients can choose from various movement options - from a simple walk to Nordic walking. Excursions to the region, such as to Freiburg or Lake Titisee, are also possible. The shared activities and similar health conditions often lead to close friendships among patients.