Univ. Prof. Emmanuella Guenova, previously at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, will also serve as head of the department of the same name at the Kepler University Hospital. Immunodermatology - a cross-disciplinary subject area at the crossroads of dermatology, oncology, and immunology - focuses on conducting research and better understanding the skin's immune system, how immunologically transmitted, inflammatory diseases affect the skin's entire layers (such as psoriasis, neurodermatitis), and disorders marked by the uncontrolled production of lymphocytes, along with treatment options. Major advancements have been made in the field of immunodermatology over the past few years by breaking down the underlying inflammatory processes in various skin conditions and developing targeted antibody therapies.

Innovative Education and International Research
Univ. Prof. Emmanuella Guenova remarked: “I look forward to working at the JKU. As a dermatologist, I specialize in skin disorders, the most common of endemic disorders. The skin is a mirror to the soul and when unhealthy, it can massively impact a patients' quality of life. As a physician and researcher, I always want to give my patients the best care possible and conduct research that will provide a better understanding of inflammatory skin diseases.”

Prof. Guenova’s extensive research stays abroad are reflected in both patient care and her research. Guenova added: “I would like to bring what I have learned to the JKU and focus my research on inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous lymphomas.”

She is particularly interested in creating a more modern educational experience for medical students at the JKU. “I would like to engage with our students as equals and actively supervise Bachelor's and Master's degree theses.”

JKU Rector Stefan Koch: “This is the 22nd chair at the JKU Faculty of Medicine and I am delighted we have been able to appoint an internationally recognized expert in immunodermatology to fill this important position. Translational immunodermatology is an interdisciplinary field that rapidly applies research findings to clinical patient healthcare. Emmanuella Guenova is ideally qualified for this professorship and brings her internationally connected expertise to the JKU.”

Elgin Drda, Vice-Rector at the JKU and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine: “I would like to warmly welcome Professor Guenova to the JKU Faculty of Medicine! Her outstanding expertise and passion in treating skin cancer made her a compelling candidate throughout the appointment process. Professor Guenova is not only a renowned clinical specialist, she will also be a valuable addition to our Faculty as a highly motivated educator and outstanding researcher.”

Franz Harnoncourt, managing director at the Kepler University Hospital: “Professor Emmanuella Guenova's appointment has brought an internationally regarded expert, physician, researcher, and a fascinating individual to Linz and to the Kepler University Hospital in the highly important field of patient care in immunodermatology. We are delighted to welcome her to our hospital, demonstrating once again how strongly we believe that healthcare, patient care, teaching, and research go hand-in-hand to benefit our patients.”  

About Prof. Emmanuella Guenova:
Born in Sofia (Bulgaria) on July 2, 1979, Prof. Emmanuella Guenova studied medicine at the Medical University of Sofia (Bulgaria) and at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen (Germany).

She earned a certificate in “Applied Biostatistics” at Harvard University in Boston (USA) and then completed her post-doctorate in dermatology and allergology in 2015 at the University of Zurich (Switzerland).

Professor Guenova was most recently a professor and primaria at the University of Lausanne (Switzerland). 

She finds her balance and relaxes by spending time with her family, cooking, dancing and caring for her plants.

Univ. Prof. Emmanuella Guenova will be at the podium this afternoon at 3:30 PM as part of the 14th JKU medTALK titled “KI-Skin-Scan: Hautkrebsvorsorge in Sekundenschnelle”. The medTALK will take place in the JKU medLOFT at the JKU MED Campus, and is open to the media and members of the public. 

Also at the podium:

• Univ. Prof. Dr. Wolfram Hötzenecker, head of the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, JKU
• Univ. Prof. Dr. Rupert Langer, head of the Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, JKU
• Assist. Dr. Viktoria Puxkandl, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, JKU

Moderator: 

Dr. Christine Haiden, journalist and President of the Upper Austrian Press Club