New medical practice in Lehesten: A glimmer of hope for patients!

New medical practice in Lehesten: A glimmer of hope for patients!

November 11, 2025 was an important day for the community of Lehesten in the Saale-Holzland district: the new medical practice was ceremoniously opened. The practice, which was approved as a “secondary establishment” by the Thuringia Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians on August 15th of this year, was created through the conversion of a former apartment on the ground floor of the village community center. Mayor Michael Döring, who is considered the driving force behind this project, was pleased that the community can take another step towards good medical care.

The renovation work was carried out by the community workers and the mayor himself, which reduced the costs for the community to around 65,000 euros. The new family doctor, Michael Selbach, is responsible for the costs of furniture and technical equipment, which amount to an estimated six-figure sum. Despite the challenges in the initial phase, Selbach was relieved on opening day by the number of patients who had found their way to the new practice. Three appointments were booked and some unannounced patients also dropped by.

Perspectives for patients

The new practice will not only be of great importance for patients, but will also offer contemporary solutions. Selbach is planning a digital practice management that will make it easier for patients to book their appointments online. This could be a change for some patients, but offers the opportunity to benefit from more flexibility in scheduling appointments.

Selbach already has further plans for the future: a second treatment room as well as a laboratory and a barrier-free toilet are to be completed by the end of the year. The new doctor's practice moves with the times and increases the availability of treatment options for the population.

The role of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians

The Thuringia Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians plays a crucial role for doctors who want to establish themselves. As can be read in the report from KV Thuringia, numerous technical requirements and administrative matters must be regulated before a practice can be opened. This also includes entry in the medical register of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians at your place of residence. Anyone who would like to become a doctor in Thuringia should therefore contact the KV Thuringia practice advice and find out about individual branch plans.

There are also various ways in which you can support medical care in the Free State. An interesting pilot project, the “Doctor Scout”, which has been active at the Jena University Hospital since 2014, was launched to serve as a central contact for young doctors during their further training. The aim is to secure medical care in Thuringia and to attract new doctors to the profession.

Overall, the opening of the doctor's practice in Lehesten shows how important it is to strengthen medical care in rural regions. The measures and perspectives taken by both the community and the statutory health insurance institutions are a step in the right direction.

Further information about setting up the practice and the offers can be found at MDR, further information on practical advice at KV Thuringia and information about medical activities in Thuringia TMASGFF.