Paul Imbach, pediatric oncologist-hematologist, graduated 1972 as MD at the medical faculty of the University of Basel, Switzerland, and got his Swiss Pediatric Certificate 1977. Afterwards in Bern, he constructed the cooperative concept of pediatric oncology research for all swiss centers (Swiss Pediatric Oncology Group SPOG). 1978 he begun as clinical head of the division of oncology-hematology at the university children’s hospital Bern, where he performed the first autologous stem cell transplantation in Switzerland 1978, and where he discovered and studied together with his colleagues the immunomodulatory effects of human immunoglobulin G concentrate IVIG in childhood ITP (Lancet 1981;1:1228-31). For the latter he was awarded with the Hans-Huber prize. 1983 followed his habilitation at the medical faculty of the University of Bern. 1986-89 he was medical head of the worldwide clinical research for IVIG indications in a cooperation with the Central Laboratory of the Swiss Red Cross beside his clinical duties.
1990 he was called to the university children’s hospital Basel. He was selected as head of pediatric oncology-hematology and he started stem cell transplantation, there. He was elected as full professor and chair of pediatric oncology hematology at the medical faculty of the University Basel. At the same medical faculty he was elected as dean of education and leader of a profound medical curriculum reform 1997-2002. In parallel he co-founded the International Cooperative ITP Study ICIS group, with over 70 centers worldwide, today (www.itpbasel.ch).
He served as president of many foundations such as research cancer league Basel, for the Swiss cord blood stem cell project Basel, European Society of Pediatric Hematology-Immunology ESPHI, president of make-a-wish Switzerland, etc. Acually he is member of medical editorial boards, of the itpfoundation USA, president of the foundation www.kinderhospiz-schweiz.ch
He published over 300 peer-reviewed articles, a textbook “Pediatric Oncology - a comprehensive guide” ( 3rd edition 2014) in german and english languages as well as many textbook articles.
Private: married with Ruth, 3 children. Hobbies: Cello, forestwork for their wooden heated house outside Berne.