Interview with Dr Robert Schorn, Chief Physician and Head of Nephrology and the Dialysis Centre
Dr. med. Robert Schorn
May 26, 2025
10 min
In this interview, Dr Robert Schorn, MD, who recently took over as Head of the Department of Nephrology and Dialysis at Zollikerberg Hospital, talks about his motivation for taking on the new challenge, his goals for the further development of the department and his experiences in medicine. He also gives an insight into how he relaxes in his free time. Find out more about the exciting developments in nephrology and dialysis and the future prospects for patient care.
Dr Schorn, you recently took over as Head of the Department of Nephrology and Dialysis. What motivated you to take on this position?
After 11 years at Lachen Hospital, the question arose as to whether I would like to take on a new challenge. In particular, I wanted to remain agile and flexible as a result of the change. I was already fascinated by the environment and the good team spirit at Zollikerberg Hospital when I was employed as a senior physician.
What would you like to focus on in your new position in order to further improve patient care in nephrology and dialysis?
It is essential for me to continue the department's outstanding professional and personal work. The care of all patients with chronic kidney disease takes centre stage, especially as chronic kidney disease is expected to increase in the coming years. Here, it is important to always be at the cutting edge of science and to implement these findings consistently yet individually in everyday clinical practice. Very close cooperation with the nephrology centre hospitals (USZ, KSSG) is very important and this will certainly be intensified. At the same time, it is important to provide additional impetus, for example through the firmly established use of ultrasound in nephrology and through the interdisciplinary care of patients with hypertension, nephrolithiasis and lipid disorders.
Dialysis is a very challenging field of medicine. What progress do you currently see in the treatment of patients who require dialysis?
There is constant progress in the field of mechanical renal replacement therapy. On the one hand, dialysis technology in haemodialysis. The latest generation of machines we use enable improved and gentler treatment for our patients. I am also very keen to promote the home dialysis procedure (peritoneal or home haemodialysis). In recent years, peritoneal dialysis has established itself at least as an equivalent procedure to classic haemodialysis and allows patients to be more independent. Medical advances in the field of drug therapy and new studies on established drugs are broadening our understanding, including in the care of patients who require a mechanical dialysis procedure.
You have certainly gained a lot of experience in your career. What has been the most formative moment for you in nephrology so far?
There have been many formative moments in my "nephrology career". It's almost impossible to name just one moment. My nephrology teachers at Zug Cantonal Hospital, the USZ and also here at Zollikerberg Hospital have always been formative experiences for me and have given me a lot to take with me. I also remember a number of moments that I was able to experience together with the patients and my colleagues.
What do you do in your free time to relax and recharge your batteries for your demanding work?
Family is important to me. I'm married and have a daughter. We walk our dog a lot and I enjoy cycling.
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