Jost Langhorst

Biography and Expertise of Jost Langhorst

Professor Jost Langhorst has established himself as a formidable force in bridging the gap between conventional internal medicine and evidence-based integrative therapies. His career is dedicated to rigorous scientific inquiry, particularly within his specialty of gastroenterology. As Director at Bamberg Hospital and Chair at the University of Duisburg-Essen, he leads a comprehensive program that combines patient care, cutting-edge research, and academic training, translating scientific findings into practical clinical applications.

His expertise directly supports the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” For over twenty years, Professor Langhorst has been the principal investigator for numerous investigator-initiated trials and multicenter studies, generating crucial data on phytotherapy, lifestyle interventions, and other complementary procedures for chronic diseases. Therefore, his work provides a powerful example of how to implement the principles of the Gujarat Declaration, which call for a foundation of science and evidence in traditional medicine.

Furthermore, the efforts of Jost Langhorst in knowledge translation are exemplary. By co-authoring more than 40 national and international medical guidelines, he has been instrumental in integrating scientifically validated TCIM practices into standard medical protocols. This work embodies the congress motto pillar of “Knowledge Diversity” by ensuring that diverse therapeutic approaches are safely and effectively incorporated into healthcare systems, ultimately contributing to the creation of “Well-being Societies.”

Professional Career

Professor Jost Langhorst’s professional journey is marked by a steady ascent to leadership positions at some of Germany’s most respected medical institutions. His career reflects a deep commitment to building the field of integrative medicine from within the established healthcare system. He has progressively taken on roles with greater responsibility, moving from specialized clinical practice to directing entire departments and shaping university-level research agendas.

This trajectory demonstrates a strategic vision for institutionalizing integrative medicine. Consequently, his experience provides a valuable roadmap for integrating TCIM into hospitals and academic centers globally.

• 2020 – Present: Chair for Integrative Medicine with a focus on translational gastroenterology of the University of Duisburg-Essen at Bamberg Hospital.
• 2019 – Present: Director and Head Physician at the Clinic for Internal and Integrative Medicine at Bamberg Hospital (Sozialstiftung Bamberg).
• 2017: Appointed to the W3 Professorship of Integrative Medicine – translational gastroenterology at the University of Duisburg-Essen, a top-tier academic rank.
• 2011 – 2018: Co-director of the Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine at the Kliniken Essen-Mitte, while simultaneously serving as Head Physician of the Department of Integrative Gastroenterology and Head of the Outpatient Clinic.
• Prior to 2011, he built his foundational clinical and research skills, preparing him for these significant leadership roles within academic integrative medicine.

Academic Qualifications

The academic foundation of Professor Jost Langhorst is exceptionally robust, combining rigorous medical training in Germany with specialized, formative experiences at world-renowned institutions in the United States. This international education provided him with a broad perspective on different healthcare models and exposed him early on to the pioneers of mind-body and integrative medicine. His qualifications underscore a lifelong dedication to academic excellence and interdisciplinary learning.

This diverse training equipped him with the unique skill set necessary to navigate and ultimately lead in the complex field of integrative health. Beyond his medical degree, his engagement in prestigious, specialized programs highlights a proactive pursuit of knowledge at the forefront of medical innovation.

• Medical Studies: Completed his studies in human medicine at Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität (WWU) in Münster, Germany, with international components at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Harvard Medical School in Boston, USA.
• International Scholarship: Awarded a scholarship at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, a pioneering center for research on the mind’s impact on health.
• International Scholarship: Furthered his expertise as a scholar at the Center for Integrative Medicine of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, one of the world’s leading cancer treatment and research institutions.

Research and Publications of Jost Langhorst

The research portfolio of Professor Jost Langhorst is both extensive and highly influential, underscored by his ability to secure more than 10 million euros in competitive third-party funding. This substantial support, from prestigious bodies like the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, speaks to the high quality and critical importance of his work. His research is a cornerstone of the evidence base for integrative gastroenterology.

His current research focuses on several key areas, including phytotherapy, lifestyle modifications, and the mechanisms of placebo/nocebo effects. A significant translational focus is on “mucosal immunity and the intestinal barrier,” which explores the fundamental biological interactions between interventions and gut health. Therefore, this work is vital for developing new, non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for chronic inflammatory diseases. The activities of Jost Langhorst are central to his field.

Professor Langhorst’s impact is further amplified by his prolific publication record, with over 240 peer-reviewed papers and more than 300 total scientific articles. His work has appeared in high-impact journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Cell Metabolism, Gut, and Pain. This body of literature provides a robust scientific foundation for the clinical practices he advocates, making him a key contributor to the global scientific discourse on TCIM.

Awards and Recognitions

Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Jost Langhorst has received numerous national and international awards. These recognitions celebrate his pioneering research, his clinical innovations, and his leadership in advancing the field of integrative medicine. While a comprehensive list is extensive, these honors collectively affirm his status as a leading figure whose work has significantly shaped modern healthcare.

These accolades are a direct reflection of the impact his research has had on both the scientific community and patient care. Consequently, they serve as external validation of his success in translating evidence into practice and policy. Beyond specific awards, his ability to secure highly competitive research grants from organizations like the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a powerful form of peer recognition, signifying the profound trust the scientific community places in his research agenda and capabilities.

The consistent acknowledgment from peers and institutions underscores the importance of his contributions. It highlights a career dedicated to the highest standards of scientific rigor and a relentless pursuit of better, more holistic treatment options for patients with chronic diseases. The work of Jost Langhorst continues to inspire a new generation of researchers and clinicians in the field.

Board and Committee Activities

Professor Jost Langhorst extends his influence far beyond his clinical and research duties through his extensive involvement in committee work and guideline development. His role as a co-author on over 40 national and international medical guidelines is particularly significant, as it places him at the forefront of defining the standards of care for numerous medical conditions. This work is a critical mechanism for knowledge transfer, ensuring that the latest evidence from clinical trials is integrated into day-to-day medical practice.

By participating in these influential committees, he helps shape the official recommendations that guide clinicians across Germany and internationally. This process is fundamental to the safe and effective integration of TCIM into healthcare systems, a core theme of the 3rd WCTCIM. Therefore, his contributions help build consensus and establish legitimacy for integrative approaches within the broader medical community.

This extensive engagement demonstrates a deep commitment to service and to the systematic advancement of his field. It involves countless hours dedicated to reviewing evidence, debating best practices, and forging consensus among diverse groups of experts. The result is a more inclusive, evidence-informed, and patient-centered healthcare landscape, profoundly shaped by the dedicated efforts of leaders like Jost Langhorst.

Connect with Prof. Langhorst

For more detailed information on the work of Professor Jost Langhorst, including his clinical services, research projects, and academic contributions, please refer to his official institutional profiles and publication databases. These resources offer comprehensive insights into his leadership in internal and integrative medicine.

Official Profile at Sozialstiftung Bamberg: View Clinical Profile

University of Duisburg-Essen Profile: View Academic Profile

PubMed Publications: Access Scientific Publications