“You Have to Look at the Person First”—Elisabeth Kohler-von Siebenthal
17.11.2026 , Tuesday
Caring for wounds – at first, it sounds like bandages, medical expertise, and the right treatment. But when you go to people's homes, you quickly realize: This is not just a wound. There is a person. With their story, their quirks, their worries – and sometimes also with a stubborn streak.
Elisabeth Kohler-von Siebenthal has many stories to tell about this. She has been a nursing professional for 41 years and has worked for a Spitex organization for 23 years. As a wound expert, her paths lead to people in remote mountain valleys. She advises doctor’s offices and homes, teaches as a professional lecturer, and also engages at the Swiss level for wound care.
In her book “The Sensitive Spot,” she recounts encounters along these paths: from treatments in kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms, from people who don't always make it easy for caregivers, from unusual situations, and surprising insights. Because behind a wound, there almost always hides another story.
Importantly, “The Sensitive Spot” is explicitly not a medical book. Elisabeth Kohler-von Siebenthal writes with great closeness to the people, with a keen eye, much humor, and a good portion of self-irony. She talks about a daily nursing routine where expertise is important – but sometimes patience, creativity, and the ability to truly listen to a person are just as essential.
“One must first look at the person.” This sentence perhaps best describes the attitude that connects her work and her stories.
The event will be held in German.
No entry fee - collection.
Elisabeth Kohler-von Siebenthal has many stories to tell about this. She has been a nursing professional for 41 years and has worked for a Spitex organization for 23 years. As a wound expert, her paths lead to people in remote mountain valleys. She advises doctor’s offices and homes, teaches as a professional lecturer, and also engages at the Swiss level for wound care.
In her book “The Sensitive Spot,” she recounts encounters along these paths: from treatments in kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms, from people who don't always make it easy for caregivers, from unusual situations, and surprising insights. Because behind a wound, there almost always hides another story.
Importantly, “The Sensitive Spot” is explicitly not a medical book. Elisabeth Kohler-von Siebenthal writes with great closeness to the people, with a keen eye, much humor, and a good portion of self-irony. She talks about a daily nursing routine where expertise is important – but sometimes patience, creativity, and the ability to truly listen to a person are just as essential.
“One must first look at the person.” This sentence perhaps best describes the attitude that connects her work and her stories.
The event will be held in German.
No entry fee - collection.