Dr Oliver Gröne receives extraordinary professorship at Witten/Herdecke University

Witten/Herdecke University has awarded the Deputy CEO of OptiMedis AG, Dr Oliver Gröne (PhD, M. Sc.), the title of Adjunct Professor (apl. Prof.) at the Faculty of Management, Economics and Society. The sociologist and doctor of health sciences receives the award in recognition of his extensive scientific achievements in health systems research. His work focuses on the complex interrelationships between structures, processes and outcomes of healthcare, which he has analysed in many international research projects and published in over 100 scientific publications.

"Oliver Gröne combines proven research strength with innovative approaches to the entrepreneurial shaping of the future. His sociological perspective and industry expertise complement the Faculty's orientation very well," says Prof Dr Sabine Bohnet-Joschko, holder of the Chair of Management and Innovation in Health Care. Dean Prof Dr Dirk Sauerland adds: "The Faculty of Management, Economics and Society is committed to research into the complex challenges of our time. This also includes the question of the sustainable organisation of our healthcare system - in all its facets. We are delighted to have Oliver Gröne joining us in research and teaching."

Commitment to a sustainable health care system

Commenting on his appointment, Gröne explains what drives him as a researcher: "I want to help find out which innovations in the health care system will bring the greatest benefits to people. Because only with new forms of care and innovative technologies can we succeed in making the healthcare system more sustainable, patient-centred and at the same time more economical. Climate protection must become a cross-sectional task for all stakeholders."

Gröne has been active in health care research for more than 15 years. From 2011 to 2015, as Associate Professor of Health Care Research at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, he developed methods to evaluate and improve the quality of care. He also worked for the World Health Organization (Regional Office for Europe) for many years, most recently as head of the "Quality of Health Systems" programme. Since 2017, Gröne has been responsible for research & innovation and organisation on the OptiMedis Executive Board.