Prof Elmar Aigner holds inaugural lecture: New possibilities in the treatment of metabolic syndrome
"Internal medicine is undergoing profound changes," said Univ.-Prof. Dr. Elmar Aigner in his inaugural lecture on November 20, 2024 at Paracelsus Medical Private University (PMU). His lecture, titled "The Relevance of Metabolic Syndrome in Gastroenterology, Nephrology, and Metabolic Medicine," addressed critical developments in the field. Dr. Aigner, an internationally recognized liver specialist, has served as the head of the Department of Internal Medicine I at University Hospital Salzburg for nearly a year. This lecture marks a tradition at PMU, where new department heads, in collaboration with the Salzburg Medical Society (GSÄ), deliver their inaugural address after their first year in position.
As part of the Paracelsus 10,000 study, 10,000 Salzburg residents aged 40 to 69 are undergoing comprehensive health assessments. This is the largest epidemiological study ever conducted in Austria. "We know that up to 25 percent of the population is at risk for metabolic syndrome, and up to 15 percent are already metabolically unhealthy," explained Prof. Aigner. Moreover, 21.3 percent of men and 17.9 percent of women have a body mass index (BMI) over 30 kg/m², classifying them as obese – the biggest risk factor for metabolic syndrome. This condition impacts the metabolism, liver, and kidneys. Prof. Aigner emphasized:"We are talking about a condition that is highly relevant to the population."
New medications as game-changers
Metabolic syndrome has been described for over 40 years. However, new and highly effective medications for kidney and liver diseases, as well as obesity, are now available. "We are witnessing profound changes that hold the potential for significant progress. But this also raises an important question: What does this mean for the healthcare landscape in our region?"
Elmar Aigner strongly advocates for enhanced collaboration among general practitioners, specialists, and clinical experts. ‘The private practice sector provides a breadth of care that hospitals cannot guarantee. Therefore, communication needs to be improved." To support this, the University Clinic for Internal Medicine I has launched a series of training sessions for outpatient doctors. Academic knowledge is passed on and experiences are exchanged in a collegial and informal setting.
Communicator, Leader, Doctor, Researcher and Teacher
In his inaugural lecture, Professor Aigner’s exceptional communication skills were also acknowledged. "You are a true leader, radiating trust and competence while building communicative bridges," summarized Professor Christian Pirich, Medical Director of the University Hospital and Vice Rector of PMU. GSÄ President Professor Eugen Trinka, in his lighthearted welcome, emphasized the profound respect that Professor Aigner commands both within and outside the clinic: "I asked around, and I couldn’t find a single person with anything negative—or even a 'yes, but'—to say about you."
PMU Rector Professor Wolfgang Sperl expressed heartfelt gratitude for Professor Aigner’s long-standing contributions to the university. Before his appointment as Clinic Director, Professor Aigner served as Dean of Human Medicine. "You embody the ideal role model of a PMU professor, an exemplar in every sense." Professor Aigner is not only an outstanding clinician, researcher, and teacher, but as Dean of Human Medicine, he played a pivotal role in the introduction of the new curriculum.
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Image (from left to right): Christian Pirich, Medical Director of the University Hospital and PMU Vice Rector; PMU Rector Wolfgang Sperl; Franziska Moser, Director of Nursing at the University Hospital; Elmar Aigner; Silvia Lechner, CEO of SALK; Klaus Offner, Director of Finance at the University Hospital; Eugen Trinka, President of the Salzburg Medical Society; Thomas Gamsjäger, CEO of SALK. // Image credit: SALK/Fürweger.
