Dr Karin Becke-Jakob appointed new head of anaesthesiology at UKBB

Dr Karin Becke-Jakob has an impressive career and extensive experience. After studying human medicine at the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen, which she completed in 1997, and obtaining her doctorate in 2002, she qualified as a specialist in anaesthesiology in 2003. She also specialised in emergency medicine and paediatric anaesthesia. She has been Chief Physician for Anaesthesia, Paediatric Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine at the Hallerwiese Clinic in Nuremberg since 2007 and was Medical Director of this clinic from 2013 to 2023.

Her outstanding teaching and research activities have made Dr Becke-Jakob nationally and internationally renowned. She is the author and co-author of over 400 scientific presentations at international congresses and has published numerous papers in renowned journals. Her commitment to research is also reflected in her active participation in large multi-centre studies such as APRICOT and NECTARINE, which are driving forward the optimisation of paediatric anaesthesiological care in Europe.

Her research focuses on the development and improvement of anaesthesia techniques in children, pain therapy after surgical procedures and the patient-specific adaptation of anaesthetics. She is also dedicated to researching safety standards and minimising complications during anaesthesiological procedures. Dr Becke-Jakob is also a member of numerous professional societies and has made significant contributions to improving anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine as a board member of the Safetots (Safe Anaesthesia For Every Child) initiative and other committees.

"We are delighted to welcome Dr Karin Becke-Jakob to our team," says Chief Executive Officer Marco Fischer. "Her impressive career and commitment to excellent medical care make her the ideal candidate for this key position at UKBB."

Urs Frey, Medical Director, adds: "With Dr Becke-Jakob, we are not only gaining an outstanding specialist who covers all paediatric anaesthesiology areas at UKBB with many years of practical experience, but also a personality who will significantly promote the further development of our department through her experience in ops planning, hospital management, her international network and her innovative teaching activities. We are very much looking forward to working with her."

Karin Becke-Jakob will take over the position of Chief Physician of Anaesthesiology on 1 May 2025 from Prof. Thomas Erb, who will be leaving the UKBB for reasons of age. UKBB would like to express its sincere thanks for his many years of tireless commitment to our young patients. Prof. Erb will be honoured at a farewell ceremony in due course.