Global Engagement Faculty Spotlight
September, 2023
Clemens Ortner
This month, we have learned so much from Dr. Clemens Ortner. Dr. Ortner works closely with Kybele, an organization focused on safe childbirth worldwide. In recent weeks, a physician training team, led by Dr. Ivan Velickovic & Dr. Clemens Ortner, trained 40 individuals on Kybele’s approach. During the second meeting, Kybele taught 49 attendees the importance of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS). Thank you, Dr. Ortner, for this amazing work training others in the safe care of mothers and babies!
What is your current title and capacity within our Department?
Clinical Associate Professor
What are your academic and/or research interests?
POCUS in OB-critical care.
Where did you grow up?
Austria
How do you think your upbringing influenced your worldview? (culture, religion, geography, economics, other factors)?
Cultural and religious backgrounds definitely define one’s perspective and ideas when approaching challenges on a large and smaller spectrum. Growing up in an economically wealthy region opens educational opportunities allowing easier international flexibility.
How is healthcare different in other countries where you have lived/visited/worked?
Unlike in the United States, in Europe and Austria there is a very low barrier to access healthcare and general access for everyone, even providing the highest quality and infrastructure.
How do you think we can improve the care of our patients in the USA?
General access to healthcare should be independent of economic background or profession. Healthcare should not be divided by political parties. The idea of “Medicare for all” or at least a “public option” would help underprivileged patients’ easier access. ‘Deductibles’ and huge copayments are a characteristic in the US healthcare system which burden patients financially and prevent attainment of health. In addition, calling the ambulance for an emergency should be a public service, similar to calling police or firefighters. Last, but not least, the introduction of “social service” as an alternative to providing military service can have a major impact on reducing costs to the healthcare system.
How does a global perspective strengthen the care of patients?
It expands your horizons on the many problems and many solutions.
What has been the most amazing thing you have seen while traveling to another country?
I have learned things I had never expected while creating new contacts that have shaped my career and the careers of others.