Professor Dr. Hagen Schmal, MD, PhD

Professor Dr. Hagen Schmal is an internationally recognized orthopaedic and trauma surgeon with broad clinical and academic expertise gained in Germany, the United States, and Denmark. His medical training at Humboldt University/Charité Berlin culminated in a doctorate summa cum laude (highest distinction), followed by a habilitation in Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery at the University of Freiburg.

With currently more than 270 peer-reviewed publications and an h-index of 43, Professor Schmal is a leading authority in cartilage tissue engineering, pelvic and paediatric trauma, extremity reconstruction, and musculoskeletal oncology. He has secured more than 4 million EUR in competitive research funding, contributing significant advances in his field.

Professor Schmal has held key appointments at renowned institutions, including Medical Director and Consultant at the Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery at the Medical Center – University of Freiburg, and Clinical Professorship of Traumatology at the University of Southern Denmark. He is actively involved in clinical and basic science research, strategy, and quality commissions, and serves on the board of the Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg (CCCF).

He is a certified clinical investigator and holds multiple specialist qualifications in surgery, orthopaedics, and trauma surgery, including additional credentials in special orthopaedic surgery, paediatric and adolescent traumatology, and tumour orthopaedics.

Areas of Expertise

• Cartilage tissue engineering
• Pelvic trauma
• Extremity reconstruction
• Musculoskeletal oncology
• Special orthopaedic surgery
• Paediatric and adolescent traumatology
• Tumour orthopaedics

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Research & Innovation

Throughout his career, Professor Schmal has been recognized with numerous awards, including innovation and poster prizes from leading orthopaedic and trauma societies. He plays a pivotal role in professional organizations, serving as Congress President for the Association of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeons in South Germany, executive roles in the Association of Leading Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeons, advisory and faculty positions for AO Trauma, and spokesperson positions within the German Society for Trauma Surgery and Orthopaedics.

His dedication to medical education is reflected in his full training authorization for orthopaedics and trauma surgery and his leadership in educational programs.

Fluent in German, English, Danish, and Russian, Professor Schmal is also engaged in guideline development for trauma care and is an esteemed reviewer and editorial board member for several international journals. His multidisciplinary approach and commitment to advancing orthopaedic and trauma surgery make him a valuable asset to both patients and colleagues at University of Freiburg Medical School.

Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery