Medical education
Studied medicine in Mainz, including a period of study in Paris, completed with the state examination. Doctorate (Dr. med.) at the University of Mainz with a thesis in cancer research.
Professional career
- 1974Start of clinical work as a medical assistant (Medizinalassistent) at Heidelberg University Hospital.
- from 1976Research assistant
- 1981Habilitation in oncology; at the same time senior physician and lecturer (Privatdozent) at the University Hospital and Polyclinic for Ear, Nose and Throat Medicine of the University of Würzburg.
- 1986Appointed University Professor at the University of Würzburg.
- 1988–2016Medical Director with the University ENT Hospital Tübingen.
- since 2016Private clinic in Tübingen/Stuttgart and, for a time, also with Prof. Wustrow in Munich, in the Arco-Palais at Wittelsbacherplatz 1
Scientific and professional society offices
- 2000–2003President of the German Academy of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery.
- 2001/2002President of the German Society of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery.
- 2009 and 2010President of the Society of German Natural Scientists and Physicians (GDNÄ).
- 2010–2021Member of the Presidium of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.
Honours
Recipient of several major scientific awards, including the Leibniz Prize; most recently awarded the Humboldt Medal. Member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, holder of several honorary doctorates and honorary memberships.
Clinical focus
Treatment of head and neck tumours, minimally invasive surgery of the nose and paranasal sinuses, and hearing-improvement surgery of the middle and inner ear. Prof. Zenner co-developed the Tübingen titanium prostheses and implantable hearing systems.