Specialist · Surgical Oncology

Dr. med. Björn Schmitz, MHBA

Specialist in hernia surgery, thyroid surgery, minimally invasive and oncologic surgery, as well as wound therapy in Kamen

Knappschaft Kliniken Westfalen GmbH - Standort Kamen· Nordstrasse 34, 59174

www.knappschaft-kliniken.de

+49 2307 3739001

Dr. Björn Schmitz, MD, MHBA, is Chief Physician of the Department of General, Visceral, and Colorectal Surgery at Knappschaft Kliniken Kamen. His focus covers the full spectrum of visceral surgery, with particular expertise in procedures involving the stomach, small and large intestines, rectum, gallbladder and liver, as well as hernia and thyroid surgery. By employing state-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques, he ensures gentle and highly effective treatments. A distinctive area of expertise is surgical wound care, especially in the treatment of diabetic foot syndrome. With his many years of experience, additional qualifications, and active involvement in medical and professional associations, he stands for the highest level of surgical expertise and patient-centered care.

Areas of focus

Visceral Surgery: Procedures on the stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and rectum, including the full spectrum of proctology
Hernia Surgery: Treatment of inguinal, umbilical, and incisional hernias, as well as diaphragmatic hernias (including anti-reflux surgery)
Thyroid Surgery: Specialized procedures on the thyroid and parathyroid glands
Specialized Wound Care: Surgical treatment of diabetic foot syndrome

About Dr. med. Björn Schmitz, MHBA

Dr. Björn Schmitz, MD, MHBA, has been Chief Physician of the Department of General and Visceral Surgery and Proctology at Knappschaft Kliniken Kamen since January 1, 2025. With his extensive expertise, he leads a department that offers cutting-edge diagnostics and treatments in abdominal surgery and proctology, making an important contribution to high-quality care in the region.

His specialties cover the entire field of visceral surgery – including operations on the stomach, liver, gallbladder, spleen, small and large intestines, and rectum. He also has particular expertise in hernia surgery (such as inguinal and incisional hernias), reflux surgery, and endocrine surgery, especially thyroid surgery. Dr. Schmitz places great emphasis on using the latest minimally invasive (“keyhole”) techniques, even for complex procedures, to keep recovery as gentle as possible with less pain and shorter downtime for patients. In addition, he is authorized to provide second medical opinions for “amputations in diabetic foot syndrome” and for “cholecystectomy” (gallbladder removal).

Dr. Schmitz combines many years of clinical experience with additional qualifications: He is a board-certified surgeon and visceral surgeon, with further training in specialized visceral surgery, emergency medicine, sports medicine, manual therapy, and medical assessment. His Master of Health Business Administration (MHBA) also enables him to combine medical excellence with strong organizational and management skills, which is especially important in his leadership role.

As Chief Physician, he is committed to continuously expanding the services of the clinic in Kamen – including the hernia and thyroid centers – and strengthening teamwork with internal medicine, particularly gastroenterology. He is also establishing a center for wound therapy and a foot center. Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Schmitz is actively engaged in the medical community: he serves as State Chair for Westphalia-Lippe in the German Association of Surgeons (BDC), acts as spokesperson for all state chairs of the BDC, and contributes to health policy committees and medical conferences.