Dr. Chylarecki's legacy redefines trauma surgery and leadership at Bethanien Hospital

"Through his dedication, his character, and his high medical standards, he has left a lasting mark on the Department of Trauma Surgery & Orthopedics as well as the entire hospital," the hospital announced in a statement. Since joining in 2000—first as senior attending physician—and his appointment as chief physician in 2001, Dr. Chylarecki has been instrumental in advancing the clinic's development. Under his leadership, the medical services offered were continuously expanded and modernized. In particular, he established and further developed cutting-edge techniques in fracture treatment, joint replacement surgery for hips, knees, shoulders, elbows, and ankles, spinal surgery, the full spectrum of shoulder procedures, and minimally invasive methods. Most recently, he introduced key innovations in shoulder, elbow, and pelvic surgery.

In addition to his role as chief physician, Dr. Chylarecki took on the position of medical director at Bethanien Hospital Moers on April 1, 2020, having previously served as deputy medical director for twelve years. As a member of the executive board, he played a pivotal role in the hospital's strategic and organizational growth. Drawing on his extensive experience as chief physician, he made practice-oriented decisions that enhanced both patient care and staff engagement. A particular challenge was the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he assumed full medical and organizational responsibility for the treatment of all patients.

"I have always believed in looking beyond our own horizons and bringing fresh ideas into the clinic," said Dr. Chylarecki, a native of Moers. This commitment was reflected in his international work: through fellowships at home and abroad and exchanges with renowned experts—from New York, San Francisco, and Rome—he introduced innovative techniques to Moers and fostered the professional development of his team. To make health topics more accessible to the local population, he launched a partnership in 2015 with the Moers-Kamp-Lintfort adult education center (Volkshochschule). As part of the so-called Health Forums, he and his fellow chief physicians organized countless informative medical lectures in collaboration with the center.

Beyond his professional expertise, it was his personality that made him widely respected within the hospital and beyond. Patients and colleagues alike saw Dr. Chylarecki as approachable and deeply committed. Many of the physicians he trained now hold leadership positions themselves—including Dr. Andrei Visinescu. The long-serving senior physician will take over as chief of the Department of Trauma Surgery & Orthopedics on April 1. Having worked for years as the lead senior physician under Dr. Chylarecki, he knows the clinic, its structures, and its values inside and out.

While clearing out his office, Dr. Chylarecki came across personal mementos, including photos from the Schlosspark Run, an event he had supported at Bethanien for nearly two decades. Beyond providing on-site medical care—ensured by his team—he also championed workplace sports: thanks to his efforts, around 40 people now belong to the Bethanien running group.

Dr. Chylarecki was recently awarded the Federal Cross of Merit (Bundesverdienstkreuz am Bande) for his outstanding social commitment. The honor recognized his long-standing collaboration with Friedensdorf International in Oberhausen, where he has worked with great personal dedication. For many years, he and his team—together with the hospital's Department of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine—have treated and cared for children injured in war zones around the world.

"Dr. Chylarecki's decades of work have profoundly shaped our hospital and the Department of Trauma Surgery & Orthopedics," said Dr. Ralf Engels, CEO of the Bethanien Moers Foundation. "We extend our deepest gratitude for his tireless efforts as both chief physician and medical director, his innovative spirit, and his human touch."

For this new chapter in his life, Dr. Chylarecki has set himself ambitious goals: he plans to spend time at Friedensdorf International in Oberhausen, where he will continue his dedicated work treating children—from diagnosis and surgery to aftercare. Beyond his professional commitments, he is also looking forward to new personal freedoms, including deepening his passion for flying motorized aircraft as a hobby and devoting time to craftsmanship projects. After 26 years of constant availability at the hospital, he approaches this next phase with calm anticipation—an unfamiliar but welcome change that he intends to shape and savor consciously.

Even after his departure, Dr. Chylarecki will remain connected to Bethanien Hospital in Moers, contributing his expertise in an advisory role. His legacy extends beyond a superbly equipped clinic; he leaves behind a profound professional and personal impact that will be hard to follow.