Prof. Meinhard Classen

Prof. Meinhard Classen

Born in Germany in 1936, Meinhard Classen studied at the Universities of Bonn and Freiburg, Germany , as well as in Vienna, Switzerland. He completed his postgraduate training at the academic hospitals of Vienna, Stuttgart and the University Hospital of Erlangen before entering practice as a physician and gastroenterologist. He was Professor of Medicine until 2002 when he became Professor Emeritus.

From 1974 to 2002 Prof. Classen acted as chairman of the Medical Departments at Academic Hospital of Hamburg-Barmbek, Frankfurt University and Technical University Munich. He also held the positions of Dr.med. honoris causa of the Universities Athens, Iasi, Istanbul and Wroclaw

He undertook Scientific work in clinical gastroenterology and gastrointestinal endoscopy: Physiology and pathophysiology of gastric and pancreatic function; first studies of PGE1 influence on gastric secretion in man. In 1971 he performed the first electrical snare removal of gastric polyps, in 1973 the first endoscopic sphincterotomy and endoscopic treatment of gallstones applied to humans together with Ludwig Demling. In 1978 he introduced nasobiliary drainage together with Dr. Wurbs. In 1980 he undertook the first application and publication of endoscopic ulrasound in man. Professor Classen has completed 750 publications on various topics of gastroenterology and endoscopy.

His Topics of interest include: Pathophysiology, treatment, recurrence of stones in gallbladder and biliary duct; therapeutic endoscopy; electronic videoendoscopy; treatment of biliary disorders by means of endoscopy; endoscopic ultrasound applied to the diagnosis and staging of gastrointestinal cancer; therapeutic laparoscopy. Prevention, early detection and management of digestive cancer.

Professor Classen holds honorary and corresponding memberships of multiple national academies and scientific societies and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (London)

He was Secretary General (1990–1998) and President (1998-2002) of World Organisation of Gastroenterology – WGO/OMGE. He also held the position of Vice-President (1990-1997) of World Organisation of Digestive Endoscopy - OMED and is Em. Chief Editor of the journal ENDOSCOPY.

Professor Classen founded and is Co-Chairman of International Digestive Cancer Alliance (IDCA) together with Professor Sidney Winawer, New York

He holds the Orders of Merit of the State of Bavaria, Federal Republic of Germany and Republic of Austria.