In memoriam Heinrich Magometschnigg

The former Medical Director and Head Physician of Salzburg University Hospital, Prof. Heinrich Magometschnigg, served as Deputy Chair of the University Council of the Mozarteum University Salzburg from 2013 to 2016 and distinguished himself not only through his professional competence but also through his approachability and genuine human warmth.

He came from a musical family and once toyed with the idea of becoming a pianist – he felt a strong connection to the Mozarteum University.

Heinrich Magometschnigg received his doctorate from the University of Vienna in 1980 and, after qualifying as a specialist in surgery with an additional specialisation in vascular surgery, joined the Salzburg State Clinics in 1994. He was Chief Physician, Dean for the Human Medicine curriculum (2003–2009) and Dean of Clinical Affairs (2009–2017) at Paracelsus Medical Private University, which he helped to shape from the outset as a co-founder. From October 2006 to November 2017, he served as Medical Director of the University Hospital, where he was responsible for key strategic decisions before retiring in 2017.

We will remember him and his contributions with deep gratitude.

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When I took over as Chair of the University Council of the Mozarteum University Salzburg in 2013, it was particularly meaningful that the position of Vice-Chair went to Prof. Heinrich Magometschnigg — a person whose biography was so deeply connected to music.
The fact that an internationally renowned doctor joined the Council of an arts university may have surprised some. For the Mozarteum, it was a stroke of good fortune. Heinrich Magometschnigg brought not only professional excellence and leadership experience to the table — he also brought a profound, lifelong relationship with music.

He came from a deeply musical family. The piano was his first great passion. Music was a defining part of his life. Having to abandon his degree in piano performance partway through was a painful experience. Yet he faced this turning point with the resilience that would shape his entire life. He transformed loss into new strength, embarked on a career in medicine and achieved extraordinary things there — without ever letting go of music.

This connection was palpable in the University Council. He understood students not in abstract terms, but from personal experience. He knew what dedication meant, what discipline demanded, what artistic training required. His contributions were characterised by sincerity, but also by warmth, a high degree of empathy and genuine concern.

Heinrich Magometschnigg was a strong personality — clear in his convictions, steadfast in difficult moments, yet cheerful and approachable. People valued him because he was not only competent, but also truly present. Conversations with him had depth because they were grounded in respect and genuine interest.
He leaves a lasting mark. A mark on the people who had the privilege of working with him. A mark on the attitudes he helped to shape. And a mark on this institution, which he supported with conviction.

His love of the piano and of music was his inner foundation. From it grew the strength that sustained him throughout his life — and that will remain with us in grateful memory.

Dr. Viktoria Kickinger
Chair of the University Council (2013–2017)