Direct Healthcare International Limited - Knokke Heist

Dr. Carsten Niels Schoellner is one of the most sought after spine surgeons in the world.  He is qualified in surgery in Germany and Belgium, has studied and practised surgery in both countries under some of the top specialists in his chosen field. A brilliant doctor and surgeon he is currently placed at St Rembert’s hospital in Belgium where patients and those who are aware of his reputation for brilliance flock to him for treatment.

§  Chirotherapy

§Rheumatology

§Orthopaedic Echography of infant hips

      1987 and 1988: leading dissections with Prof. Vakeat, University Gent

§Class in Kinetherapy at the Cologne University (1998-1999)

§Class in Rheumatology at the Helene-Dicke-Schule, Mainz, for Physiotherapy (1998-1999)

“The Mucocutaan Lymphnodi-Syndrome” under Dr. Degomme, Brugge 1991

“Die Digitalisierte Flächenmessung zur Erfassung periartikulärer Ossifikationen bei Hüffotalendoprothesen” (’97)

“Die Sockelpfanne: Technische Entwicklung, experimentelle Erprobung und klinische Andwendung in der Hüfttotalenopothetik. Eine prospective Multicenter –studie” (’04)

                                    Revision meeting “Hip” in Mainz, Germany 2004

                                    11 Workshops “Pedestal cup” from 1994 - 2004

                                    2001, Innsbruck, Austria

Instructional course Shoulder, hand and elbow Arthroscopy, 03-04. 2004, Giessen, Germany

                                    Leids Universety Center (Prof. Dr. Rozing)

                              St. Josestift, Sendenhorst (Prof. Dr. R. Mielke)

                                    Since 1993 Pedestal Cup study

                                    Multicenterstudy on extracoporal shockwaves

General Medicine (‘81-‘88) : University of Louvain, Belgium: Great distinction

Orthopaedic Training (‘88-‘94) : Prof. Dr. J. Gruwez Prof.Dr. G. Fabry

                  Belgium - Louvain : University of Louvain

                               - Bruges   :

AZ St. Lucas

                               - Kortrijk   : AZ Groeninghe

                               - Knokke   : AZ O.L.V. Ter Linden

                  Great Britain – University of Edinburgh, Victoria Hospital,Kirkcaldy,                                   Scotland

                  U.S.A.  à  Fellowship (‘94-‘95)

·         Universityof Florida, General Hospital, Tampa, Florida, Dr. R.W. Sanders

·         Universityof Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, Dr. R.W. Gaines

·         TennesseeSpine Center, Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. Mc Cord

·         Universityof New York, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, Prof. Dr. O. Boachie

Tropical Diseases (‘84-‘85) : Great distinction

History of Medicine (‘85-‘86) : Great distinction

Previous and Current Employment

Genk – Waterschei (‘94) : Orthopaedic Surgery &Traumatology, Dr. H. Lenskens –

Dr. L. Oprins

 Torhout (from ‘95) :Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology, head of department with Dr. Fr. DeGendt and Dr. Ch. Waterloos and Dr. Schoellner

Medical co-author with Zimmer Orthopaedics to jointlydevelop both total hip, and total knee prosthesis and to pursue their clinicalinvestigation (since 2003).

President of the Medical Board of St. Rembert’s Hospital(since 2002).

Chief Operating Officer – Direct Healthcare International

• Over 15 years of leadership experience in the private healthcare and medical-travel sector.

• Founder & former CEO of Direct Healthcare International Ltd (2004–2013) and The Private Medical Group Limited (2001–2003), both focused on coordinating international patient care and private medical access.

• Experienced in developing treatment pathways, managing hospital partnerships, and supporting patients travelling abroad for surgery.

• Background in business and healthcare operations with a strong focus on patient safety, transparent communication, and service quality.

• Serves as a Healthcare Expert for the European Commission, providing expertise in areas related to business, management, and healthcare operations.

• Holds a Diploma in Management Studies and a Higher National Diploma in Business Studies from Kingston University.

Chief Executive Officer – Direct Healthcare International

• CEO of DHI, leading patient access to high-quality surgery and medical care in Belgium and Europe.

• Oversees hospital partnerships, operations, patient pathways, and overall service quality.

• Background in international administration, financial management, and healthcare coordination.

• Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics (Tourism) and a Master’s in Data Analytics, plus additional certifications in accountancy and data science.

• Fluent in English and Hungarian, supporting patients from Ireland, the UK, Europe, USA, and Canada.