Dr Dirk Bender

"In my job, the focus is on people. I’m a keen mountain biker and I love the outdoors."

I found the medical profession fascinating even as a small child. During that time, our former GP – a typical country doctor of his day – had a particularly strong influence on me and inspired my enthusiasm for the work; he taught me a great deal and let me observe him at work. I have been working as a GP in our group practice in Willingen since 2003 and am very happy with my situation. I know the district well, as I grew up in the surrounding area, and I enjoy living here. Waldeck-Frankenberg offers us sports enthusiasts a high quality of life. When it comes to culture, sport and the countryside, there’s something interesting for everyone in our family. We’ve got plenty of opportunities to let off steam: For me, as a keen mountain biker, the Waldecker Upland, around Lake Diemel and in the neighbouring Sauerland, boasts one of the best-developed networks of trails in our region – it’s simply brilliant. My daughter has also discovered this passion for sport for herself.

Treating people holistically
What I value most about being a rural GP is the closeness to people. I usually look after patients for years and through many stages of their lives. In doing so, I also get to know them personally. We GPs treat and care for people holistically; this is the only way they can make a speedy recovery. It can sometimes happen that I offer advice on personal matters or marital crises. Here in the countryside, it’s normal for me to bump into my patients on the street or whilst they’re out shopping, or for them to approach me in a private capacity from time to time. But that’s no problem for me – quite the opposite: it’s what makes this profession so special to me. And, of course, as a country doctor you can earn a good living – which is very welcome in many of the little and big aspects of everyday life.

About the person:
Dr Dirk Bender, MD, is a specialist in general practice, sports medicine, chiropractic therapy, palliative care and emergency medicine. He studied in Freiburg and is actively involved in quality circle work. His group practice in Willingen has been awarded the title ‘Academic Teaching Practice of the University of Marburg’. He is married and the father of three children.