Das Klinikum

First Woman at the Helm: Sara Brucker Appointed Dean of the Tübingen University Medical Faculty

Renowned gynecologist assumes leadership role – a pioneer of modern women’s health to head the Faculty

For the first time in its nearly 550-year history, the Medical Faculty of the University of Tübingen has elected a woman as its dean: Professor Dr. Sara Y. Brucker, Medical Director of the University Women’s Hospital and head of the Department of Women’s Health. The internationally renowned gynecologist is regarded as a pioneer of modern operative gynecology and stands for innovation and excellence in both research and teaching. She succeeds Professor Dr. Bernd Pichler, who has led the Faculty since 2020 and strengthened it through his determined leadership during the pandemic and numerous research initiatives. The handover of office takes place today, Monday.

The election of Professor Brucker marks a historic milestone for the Medical Faculty of the University of Tübingen. For the first time since its founding in 1477, a woman will hold the Faculty’s highest office. Professor Brucker has served as Medical Director of the University Women’s Hospital since 2022 - also as the first woman in that position. “I feel both deep gratitude and humility as I take on this responsibility,” says the new dean. “The Tübingen Medical Faculty stands for excellence, accountability, and humanity. It is important to me to carry these values forward - with a particular focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, support for young academics, and equality of opportunity.”

A Pioneer in Modern Women’s Health

As an internationally recognized gynecologist, Professor Brucker has played a decisive role in shaping the field of breast cancer medicine in Germany. With her contribution, the first interdisciplinary breast center in the country was established and certified in Tübingen. Her groundbreaking research on uterus transplantation - through which she became the first and, to date, only physician in Germany to make motherhood possible for women without a uterus - represents a milestone in reproductive medicine.

Professor Brucker intends to place particular emphasis on improving the compatibility of academic and clinical career paths, further expanding Tübingen’s excellence as a research hub, and advancing digitalization and the potential of artificial intelligence for medical science in Tübingen. The outstanding achievements of the University Women’s Hospital under her leadership have received international recognition: in 2024, Newsweek ranked the hospital as the best in Europe and fourth best worldwide. One year later, Professor Brucker was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The Rector of the University of Tübingen, Professor Dr. Karla Pollmann, warmly congratulates the new dean: “With Sara Brucker, an outstanding scientist is taking over the leadership of the Medical Faculty. Her courage to explore new paths exemplifies the spirit of our University - excellent, responsible, and forward-looking.”

With an eye to continued close cooperation with the University Hospital - since the dean of the Medical Faculty also serves on the hospital’s executive board - Professor Dr. Jens Maschmann, Chief Medical Officer of the University Hospital, adds: “As Medical Director of the Women’s Hospital, Professor Brucker has already demonstrated that she possesses the leadership skills required to succeed as dean as well.”

Appreciation for the Outgoing Dean

The Medical Faculty also extends its gratitude to Professor Dr. Bernd Pichler, who has served as dean since 2020 and decided not to stand for another term. During a particularly challenging period - especially throughout the coronavirus pandemic - he guided the Faculty with great commitment and foresight. Under his leadership, the Medical Faculty contributed to strengthening the University of Tübingen’s position as a leading research institution, now boasting a total of six Clusters of Excellence, three of them with participation from the Medical Faculty. A particular priority for him was supporting young scientists - for example, through the founding of Casa Medizini, the Faculty’s own daycare center - to better balance family life and professional careers.