On May 2, 2024, Klinikum Großhadern in Munich celebrated a remarkable anniversary at this year's annual reception: 50 years of groundbreaking advances and caring care in medicine. The ceremony was attended by an illustrious group of guests. One of the keynote speakers was Nobel Prize winner in physics Ferenc Krausz. Under the title “Molecular heartbeats for the future of medicine”, Krausz presented visionary insights into the possibilities of molecular imaging for the early detection and treatment of diseases. To this end, blood samples are examined and analyzed using ultrashort pulse laser technology.
At Klinikum Großhadern, the Lasers4Life study focuses - similar to the partner study H4H in Hungary - on testing blood-based infrared spectroscopy in combination with machine learning as a new approach for systemic health assessments. The aim is to further advance the promising development of ultrashort pulse laser technology for use as a medical test in clinical practice to diagnose common cancers such as breast, lung, prostate and bladder cancer.
The history of the hospital, which has grown to become one of the largest university hospitals in Europe, was illustrated with impressive figures and personal anecdotes. From the thousands of operations to the countless births, including even the daughter of director Joseph Vilsmaier, who was born in front of the camera in 1989 and later became a doctor herself.
At the end, the speakers received an unusual gift as a thank you. A toaster. This unconventional act refers to the nickname “Toaster” for the hospital's ward block, whose striking architecture is reminiscent of the household appliance.
You can find a recording of the ceremony here:
