Mischa Göttinger, MD - Surf Doctor

Surfing Doctor on Call

Written by SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel

Like any sport, surfing carries risks – from minor cuts and abrasions to life-threatening accidents and injuries. Getting swift medical attention can make all the difference in the outcome. And, it helps if the doctor on call is a surfer, too.  

Based in Hamburg, Germany, Mischa Göttinger, M.D. got involved with the European Association of Surfing Doctors (EASD) to "elevate the professional development of Surfing Medicine to keep the surfer healthy and safe."

 

A surfer himself, Dr. Göttinger notes that "within the EASD I found an inspiring environment where I can contribute my passion, expertise and versatility."

Helping the surfing enthusiast and professional alike, Dr. Göttinger has worked in product development, medical care for pro sports events, and educating medical personnel and lay persons.

When SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel contacted Dr. Göttinger we found out that he co-authored the Advanced Surf Life Support Manual.

Used in the leading surf medicine training course – one developed by the EASD – the support manual covers everything from ocean rescues, drowning, hypothermia and the treatment of wounds to assessing riptides and currents..

Merging medicine and technology, Dr. Göttinger also headed the team that created the Surf First Aid app developed by doctors and lifeguards to give surfers access (via cell phone) to immediate first aid assistance.

Among its many features, the app rapidly connects to emergency numbers around the world.

Dr. Göttinger explains, "We believe that nobody should die in conditions where prevention and first aid could have been the difference between life and death. We want to build a strong global community of surfing first responders, ultimately making the ocean, beaches and reefs worldwide safer for everyone."

To further spread the word on health and safety, Dr. Göttinger is a frequent speaker at international surf medicine conferences and events – including France, Spain, Portugal, and California.

A graduate of the Ludwig-Maximillian University of Munich, Germany, and fluent in German, English, French and Spanish, Dr. Göttinger is well prepared and "board-certified" to help surfers around the world.

SurfWriter Girls

Surf’n Beach Scene Magazine

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