Hans Pichler (1877–1949) – Begründer der MKG-Chirurgie und der zahnärztlichen Weiterbildung in Österreich

Abstract

Hans Pichler is considered the doyen of Viennese maxillofacial surgery and the namesake of the Pichler School. But on which professional activities and achievements is this attribution based and what was Pichler’s role in the Third Reich? The present study explores these questions on the basis of numerous archival and printed contemporary writings. The analysis shows that Pichler could set a number of professional marks. Not only did he establish the first Kieferklinik (jaw clinic) in Europe, thereby gradually expanding the surgical spectrum, but he also made important contributions to restorative dentistry, thus demonstrating an unusual professional breadth. Moreover, no other contemporary specialist led so many academic students to careers as full professors or clinic directors. Nevertheless, Pichler’s career was not without flaws. He achieved his career despite a failed habilitation, and he ultimately did not succeed in obtaining a specific chair of maxillofacial surgery. Pichler’s role in the Third Reich was that of a political follower. He joined the Nazi party after the Anschluss (annexation) of Austria and demonstrated loyalty to the regime. After the end of the war, he lost his position at the university because of his party membership. In the years that followed, he glossed over his role in the Third Reich and thus ultimately achieved his removal from the National Socialist list, albeit only after his unexpected death (1949).