Walter Klepetko

years of experience

4.7

Rating

Walter Klepetko

Specialization: Thoracic surgeon
47 years of experience
Speaks:
German, English
Workplace: Austria, Vienna, Wiener Privatklinik
Prof. Dr. Walter Klepetko is a world-renowned thoracic surgeon and head of the Department of Thoracic Surgery of the Medical University of Vienna, Vienna General Hospital, and Wiener Privatklinik. He is credited with initiating the Vienna Lung Transplant Program and co-developing the surgical technique of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). In 2018, he successfully performed a lung transplant on three-time Formula 1 world champion Niki Lauda.

Patient reviews

4.7

Excellent score

152 patient verified reviews

1 star

2 stars

3 stars

15%

4 stars

15%

5 stars

65%

Rating breakdown

Doctor

4.8/5

Staff

4.8/5

Facilities

4.8/5

Language assistance

4.8/5

Support

4.8/5

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Client • Knee Arthroscopy

Romania

Jun 22, 2025

Verified review.

the core of it is the desire to help people who want to regain their health as much as possible back, the emotional intelligence and a necessary level of empathy and expertise which everyone from the clinic showed me

My opinion is that, even though it's a business the core of it is the desire to help people who want to regain their health as much as possible back, the emotional intelligence and a necessary level of empathy and expertise which everyone from the clinic showed me.

Interactions with the clinical staff.

About Bookimed service

Thanks to Bookimed I found the right clinic for fixing my health issue. The overall support and the informations given to me.

Anonymous • Pancreatic cancer

Ukraine

Sep 26, 2019

Verified review.

the trip to the clinic was usually. I got advice, paid a doctor, translator and intermediary, did not receive receipts for these payments. But I don’t understand what the bonus actually consisted of, which I ordered through Bookimed and how to really get it. After this trip, I again received a letter about the bonus, but, in my opinion, these letters really do not cost anything.

About Bookimed service

As I wrote in the review, I did not understand what exactly the bonus promised by Bookimed was and how you can actually use it.

Ирина • Consultation rheumatologist

Kuwait

Oct 25, 2022

Verified review.

I was very satisfied with the level of the doctor's consultation, I hope the treatment will also be effective, but the organization wants the best. I've been waiting for a written doctor's opinion for a week now. Consultations and examinations did not follow the schedule.

About Bookimed service

Where are my examination results and the doctor’s conclusion?

Anonymous • Online Consultation with Oncologist

Romania

Mar 28, 2024

Verified review.

I had a terrible experience. Dr. Zielinski was dismissive and rushed me, he hasn't answered my questions and he asked me for more tests in order to speak about treatment plans when I was told previously that I didn't need any tests in order to proceed with the consultation and receive a treatment plan. He didn't bother to explain the disease or treatment options. I was looking forward to speak to him and I put so much hope. I needed someone to explain and guide me. I was left with such a bed feeling after the consultation. No empathy and no professionalism. Bookimed apologise but they said that they can't do anything because I paid directly the clinic, even if they are the intermediary they don't take responsibility, so be very careful when booking any services. I wasted 400 euros for 10 minutes that I was trying to make a few questions in order to get some value for the money but the only thing I got was disappointment, frustration, stress and time waste for arguing. I asked for at least to have some questions asked in writing so I could get something back for my money, but they refused, and they said that the consultation was compleated. In the first place, they said that I had a second consultation for free because it wasn't compleated, and then they said it was a mistake and the consultation was compleated. Please be careful where you spend your money and put your hopes because they don't care about taking advantage of ill people in order to make money. Probably are not all the same but my experience was awful and I am very disappointed. Some become doctors because they want to help people and others have no feelings or empathy. I hope this helps whoever is reading and I hope you find a better option than I did with a doctor that cares and will help you. God bless.

Karlo Tomašević • Consultation with a cardiologist

Croatia

Nov 11, 2023

Verified review.

A great advantage and relief is that before the actual payment and the continuation of the treatment, the doctor's CV is offered, it is not that you are forced to cooperate with a certain one

From the very beginning, things went smoothly, clearly and quickly. Very pleasant conversation, no waiting, clear information about payment and with, the outcome exactly as agreed. A great advantage and relief is that before the actual payment and the continuation of the treatment, the doctor's CV is offered, it is not that you are forced to cooperate with a certain one.

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Qualifications

Univ. Prof. Dr. Walter Klepetko is one of Austria’s most renowned thoracic surgeons, internationally recognized for his pioneering work in lung transplantation and thoracic oncology. With a career spanning decades, he has combined clinical excellence, academic leadership, and groundbreaking innovation, making Vienna a global center for advanced lung surgery.

He studied medicine at the University of Vienna in the 1970s, where he graduated and began his surgical training. Early on, he specialized in thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, focusing on the treatment of severe lung diseases. His career quickly advanced as he combined surgery with research, contributing to major innovations in lung transplantation.

1980s – Completed specialist training in thoracic surgery at the Vienna General Hospital (AKH).

1989 – Performed one of the first lung transplants in Austria, establishing Vienna as a pioneer in the field.

1990s–2000s – Developed and expanded the Lung Transplantation Program at AKH Vienna, which became one of Europe’s leading centers.

2000s – Appointed Head of the Department of Thoracic Surgery at the Medical University of Vienna, overseeing clinical practice, research, and training of future surgeons.

2010s – Gained international recognition for leading innovations in thoracic oncology, minimally invasive thoracic surgery, and new approaches to transplantation medicine.

Today – Continues to work as a leading consultant and professor in Vienna, treating complex thoracic diseases, performing lung transplants, and advancing international collaborations in lung surgery.

Prof. Klepetko is particularly admired for his achievements in lung transplantation, where his team has performed several landmark procedures, including the lung transplant of Niki Lauda, the Austrian Formula 1 legend. His dedication to advancing thoracic surgery has saved countless lives and inspired new generations of surgeons. He combines world-class surgical skills with academic mentorship, contributing significantly to Austria’s reputation in global medicine.

Walter Klepetko

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