Dr. med. Thomas Steffen 

PD Dr. med. Thomas Steffen

Board-certified surgeon FMH, subspecialty in visceral surgery FMH, EBSQ Surgical Oncology

PD Dr Thomas Steffen studied human medicine and obtained his doctorate at the University of Zurich. He completed his surgical training in Eastern Switzerland at various clinics and holds the FMH board certification in surgery, the FMH subspecialty in visceral surgery, and the European certification EBSQ in surgical oncology. His expertise covers the full spectrum of abdominal surgery and abdominal wall surgery (hernias). A main focus of his work has been tumour surgery of the abdominal organs, particularly of the gastrointestinal tract and the retroperitoneal space. Thomas Steffen founded and presided over the Swiss Peritoneal Cancer Group (SPCG) for many years. Several short fellowships abroad further complemented his training.

Since 2015, he has served as Deputy Chief of Surgery at the Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, where he introduced robotic surgery and other innovations in abdominal surgery. In this role, he also treated highly specialised visceral surgery cases (HSM VIS) of the oesophagus, pancreas, and liver.

In 2019, Thomas Steffen obtained his habilitation and Venia Legendi at the University Hospital Zurich. His scientific focus is on the early detection and prevention of complications in complex abdominal surgery. Numerous doctoral theses have been completed under his supervision. He holds teaching appointments in surgery at the University of Zurich and the University of St. Gallen. Within the medical programme in St. Gallen, he was for many years primarily responsible for surgical education.

His current work is characterised by individual, discreet and personal care for patients, surgical safety, and mutual trust.

Professional Career

• 2025 – present: Founder and owner Praxis nova chirurgie, affiliated surgeon Hirslanden
• 2011 – 2025: Visceral surgery, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, Deputy Chief of Surgery since 2015
• 2019: Habilitation and venia legendi, University of Zurich
• 2000 – 2011: Surgery, visceral surgery, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen
• 2010: FMH subspecialty in visceral surgery
• 2009: EBSQ (FEBS) specialist in surgical oncology
• 2007: Vascular and thoracic surgery, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen
• 2004: Surgical Clinic, Cantonal Hospital Münsterlingen
• 2005: FMH board certification in surgery
• 1992 – 1998: Medical studies, University of Zurich
• 1999: Surgery, Cantonal Hospital Rorschach
• 1999: Doctorate in medicine, University of Zurich
• 1998: State examination in human medicine, University of Zurich

Memberships

• FMH, Swiss Medical Association
• Medical Society of the Canton of St. Gallen
• Medical Association of the St. Gallen Region
• SCS, Swiss College of Surgeons
• SGC, Swiss Society of Surgery
• SGVC, Swiss Society of Visceral Surgery
• SPCG, Swiss Peritoneal Cancer Group
• EHS, European Hernia Society
• VSAO, Swiss Association of Junior Doctors and Chief Residents
• SBV, Swiss Association of Affiliated Doctors