Jesewitz, Germany – A vital link in local healthcare is secure as Kathleen Scheller-Wolf prepares to take the helm of a medical practice serving communities between Taucha, and Eilenburg. The transition, set for April 1st, follows the retirement of long-serving physician Kornelia Pollmächer after more than three decades of service. This change ensures continued medical access for residents in the region, a concern increasingly prevalent in rural areas.
Pollmächer, 65, deliberately chose March 25th as her retirement date, stating, “Man soll aufhören, wenn es am schönsten ist” – “One should retire when it’s at its most beautiful,” according to reporting by the Leipziger Volkszeitung. LVZ reports that finding a suitable successor was a priority for Pollmächer, and she expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
Kathleen Scheller-Wolf, 40, a physician based in Taucha, will assume responsibility for the practice. The handover was facilitated through the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung, the regional association of statutory health insurance physicians. Scheller-Wolf, who is married with a child, brings a diverse medical background to the role, having previously worked in general surgery and intensive care medicine. She made the decision to transition to general practice to achieve a better work-life balance, as reported by LVZ.
Ensuring Continuity of Care
Scheller-Wolf intends to maintain the practice at its current location in Jesewitz initially. Yet, plans are already underway to relocate to a new multi-functional building currently being developed by the local municipality. This move is expected to provide a more modern and spacious environment for both patients and staff. The timeline for this relocation is contingent upon the completion of the new building, which has not yet been publicly announced.
The transition is particularly significant given the ongoing challenges in securing adequate healthcare access in rural communities. Germany, like many developed nations, faces a growing shortage of general practitioners, especially in less populated areas. The successful transfer of this practice demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing this issue and ensuring continuity of care for the residents of Jesewitz and surrounding areas.
A Local Physician with Broad Experience
Scheller-Wolf’s connection to the region runs deep; she grew up in Taucha and completed her medical studies in Leipzig. This local upbringing provides her with a strong understanding of the community’s healthcare needs. Her decision to return to the area to practice medicine underscores her commitment to serving the population she knows well.
Prior to specializing in general medicine, Scheller-Wolf completed a “Quereinstieg” – a career change – into the field after establishing a foundation in surgical and intensive care settings. This diverse experience equips her with a broad skillset to address a wide range of medical conditions. The LVZ article highlights her enthusiasm for the opportunity, quoting her as saying, “Es war für mich eine einfache Entscheidung” – “It was an easy decision for me.”
Accessing Healthcare in Taucha and Jesewitz
For residents in Taucha seeking primary care, Christian Friedrich’s practice offers comprehensive general medical services. Located in Taucha, the practice, Arztpraxis Christian Friedrich, provides acute care, preventative services, and home visits within the Taucha area. The practice also functions as an academic teaching practice affiliated with the University of Leipzig.
Friedrich’s practice offers specific services including acute treatment, comprehensive general medical care for acute complaints, preventative care from childhood screenings to skin cancer checks, and house calls for acutely ill or patients needing care at home. Appointments are generally required, but the practice also designates specific times for acute care without appointments. The practice’s opening hours vary by day, with Monday hours from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Tuesday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Thursday from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Acute care hours are also available on specific days and times. The practice can be reached by phone at 03 42 98 – 48 93 31 during designated hours. For urgent medical needs outside of regular hours, residents can contact the Kassenärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst at 116117, and in life-threatening emergencies, the emergency number 112 should be dialed.
Notably, on March 9th, 2026, Friedrich’s practice experienced a temporary closure from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM due to a power outage in Taucha. Acute care services were rescheduled to begin at 1:00 PM that day. This highlights the importance of staying informed about potential disruptions to healthcare services.
Online Appointment Scheduling
Both practices are embracing digital tools to enhance patient access. Katrin Richter’s practice in Taucha now offers online appointment booking through Doctolib, accessible via their website or the Doctolib app for both Apple and Android devices. This allows patients to conveniently schedule appointments at their convenience. A video tutorial is available on the Doctolib website to guide users through the online booking process.
The transition in Jesewitz represents a positive development for the region’s healthcare landscape. With a dedicated and experienced physician like Kathleen Scheller-Wolf taking over, residents can be assured of continued access to quality medical care. The planned relocation to a new facility further demonstrates a commitment to providing modern and comprehensive healthcare services to the community.
The next key development will be the completion of the new multi-functional building in Jesewitz and the subsequent relocation of Dr. Scheller-Wolf’s practice. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these developments through local news sources and the practice’s website. We invite readers to share their thoughts and experiences with healthcare access in rural Germany in the comments below.