PD Dr. med. Constanze ELFGEN
Languages
- German
- English
Professional background
- Since 02/2019 – Senior Consultant, Breast Center Zurich
- 10/2015 – 01/2019 – Senior Physician, Breast Center Zurich
- 10/2014 – 09/2015 – Specialist in Gynecology, Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Zurich
- 10/2010 – 07/2014 – Physician (Board-certified Specialist since 01/2014), Department of Senology, Bethesda Hospital Duisburg
- 07/2005 – 09/2010 – Resident Physician, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johanna‑Etienne Hospital Neuss
- 01/2004 – 06/2005 – Internship / Resident Physician, Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Cologne
Dissertation
- 09/2000 – 09/2004 – Doctoral research project in the Clinical Research Group of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Marburg. Thesis topic: “Major gene effect on the development of extreme obesity in children and adolescents due to functionally relevant mutations of the melanocortin‑4 receptor gene.” Presentation: “Melanocortin‑4 receptor gene mutations and obesity: evidence for a major gene effect” at the NGFH/DHGP Symposium, Berlin, November 2003.
Publications
Biography
PD Dr Constanze Elfgen is a renowned gynaecologist and obstetrician specialising in senology. In October 2015, she joined the Zurich Breast Center as a senior physician and was promoted to head of department in February 2019 due to her outstanding performance and dedication. She is a member of the Medical Board and the Executive Board. Her extensive expertise earned her the title of Senior Breast Surgeon from the German Cancer Society and a senology diploma from the Swiss Society.
Before joining the Zurich Breast Center, she worked as a resident in the gynaecology and obstetrics department at Johanna-Etienne Hospital in Neuss, Germany, then as a physician and later as a specialist in the senology department at the Evangelical Bethesda Hospital in Duisburg, Germany, and also as a specialist in the gynaecology department of the University Hospital Zurich.
PD Dr Constanze Elfgen completed her medical studies at Philipps University of Marburg, Germany, in 2004. That same year, she took her first position as an intern in the anaesthesia and intensive care unit of the University Hospital Cologne, Germany. Her scientific curiosity also led her to complete a cumulative habilitation at the University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany, titled: ‘The delay in diagnosing breast carcinoma due to iatrogenic and systemic factors’.
She makes a valuable contribution to research as both first and last author of original works focused on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. As a member of several major professional societies – including the Swiss and German Senology Societies, the Scientific Board, and as Chair of the Minimal Invasive Breast Biopsy Working Group (MIBB) of the Swiss Society of Senology – she is strongly committed to improving breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. She is also dedicated to teaching, acting as a tutor and lecturer for medical students and specialist training.
Education
- 07/2023 – FMH Subspecialty in Senology
- 2020 – Appointment as Senior Breast Surgeon, German Cancer Society
- 2019 – Diploma of Senology, Swiss Society of Senology
- 01/2011 – 05/2014 – Psychotherapy Training (specialized), North Rhine Medical Academy
- 06/2010 – Basic Psychosomatic Care Certification
- 10/2004 – Full Medical License (Approbation)
- 11/2003 – Third State Examination in Medicine (overall grade 1.8)
- 10/2002 – 10/2003 – Practical Year
- 10/1997 – 11/2003 – Medical Studies, Philipps University Marburg
Memberships
- President, Minimal Invasive Breast Biopsy Working Group (MIBB), Swiss Society of Senology (SGS)
- Swiss Society of Senology (SGS)
- German Society of Senology (DGS)
- Swiss Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (SGUM)
- Medical Women Switzerland
- Working Group for Quality in Surgery (AQC), Member of the Scientific Board
- Zurich Gynecologists’ Association
- Oncoplastic Breast Consortium
- Society of Women in Senology
