Renowned television doctor and health journalist Antje-Katrin Kühnemann passed away recently, just days after celebrating her 80th birthday. Her death marks the end of an era for German health journalism, where she left an indelible mark on both the profession and the viewers who tuned in to her programs for decades.
Dr. Ulrike Serini, the managing director of the José Carreras Leukämie-Stiftung, expressed her condolences, stating, "We are very sad. With Dr. Antje Katrin Kühnemann, we have lost a great supporter of the José Carreras Leukämie-Stiftung. Our thoughts are with her bereaved family, to whom we express our heartfelt condolences." Kühnemann had been actively engaged with the foundation since 2009, helping to raise awareness and funds for leukemia and other serious blood and bone marrow diseases.
Kühnemann, famous for her long-running show "Die Sprechstunde – Ratschläge für die Gesundheit," hosted the program from 1973 until its end in 2007. Her ability to make complex medical topics understandable earned her the respect of millions. Katja Wildermuth, the BR Intendantin, praised her, stating, "Antje-Katrin Kühnemann has accompanied millions of viewers for decades with her empathetic style and expertise. She had the gift of explaining complex medical topics simply." Kühnemann is remembered as a pioneer of health journalism.
Born on February 22, 1945, in Herzberg im Harz, Kühnemann initially pursued studies in arts education before turning her passion toward medicine. She graduated from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München as a doctor and began her medical career at several hospitals. Her television career began early; she was the youngest television presenter at Bayerischer Rundfunk and ARD. Kühnemann worked as a physician at various hospitals, including Krankenhaus München-Schwabing and Klinikum rechts der Isar. By 1979, she became the medical director of Sanatorium Vital-Zentrum GmbH, where she remained until 2018.
Despite her illustrious career and contributions to health education, Kühnemann faced significant health challenges herself. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and underwent extensive treatment, including chemotherapy, followed by over 40 surgeries due to various health issues. Kühnemann did not shy away from discussing her health battles. She once commented, "From the outside, nothing seems wrong with me, but I am stiff all the way up to my neck. Nothing about my body is intact."
Her struggles were compounded by the loss of her husband Jörg Gühring, who passed away in 2021. Kühnemann often spoke about this loss, stating, "My soul cries for my husband," reflecting the deep grief she felt even years later. Just days before her passing, she had expressed her readiness for death, saying, "I have no fear of death and long for it. When my husband calls me, I will comply," shedding light on the pain she endured during her last years.
The news of her death shocked many of her friends and colleagues, including Schlagerstar Patrick Lindner. He shared his grief on Instagram, saying, "Our dear friend Antje-Katrin Kühnemann has suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. There were so many wonderful moments over the decades we were able to experience with you." Lindner's tribute reflected the sentiments of many as they processed the loss of Kühnemann’s presence.
Kühnemann's connection to health awareness extended beyond her television work; she produced medical contributions for various media, including Bayern 3 and Radio Luxembourg. She was also well-known for her columns, which appeared in publications like Fernsehwoche and Neue Apotheken Illustrierte.
Throughout her life, Kühnemann was honored with numerous accolades for her contributions to journalism and health education, including the Goldene Kamera and Bambi awards, as well as the Bundesverdienstkreuz (Cross of Merit) and Hartmann-Thieding Medal.
Her legacy extends beyond her educational contributions; Kühnemann was involved with several foundations and initiatives, demonstrating her commitment to health advocacy even beyond her on-screen presence. Despite facing her own battles, she remained dedicated to her work and helping others until the very end.
Kühnemann's death leaves a significant void not only in the world of health journalism but also among her friends and fans who admired her expertise and warmth. Katja Wildermuth remarked, "With her empathetic art and expertise, she has accompanied millions of viewers. She is one of the greats of medical journalism." Her influence and spirit will be deeply missed, remembered fondly as the “TV doctor of the nation.”