The news magazine FOCUS annually identifies the best hospitals and top doctors in their respective fields nationwide. In 2015, Prof. Dr. Hartmut Göbel, Chief Physician of the Kiel Pain Clinic, was once again recognized as one of Germany's top physicians. The award recognized his expertise in pain therapy for migraines, headaches, and nerve pain, as well as for back pain.

According to the news magazine, the award is based on independent data collection. The evaluation incorporates, among other things: a comprehensive nationwide survey conducted in cooperation with medical associations, scientific publications, recommendations from patient organizations, self-help groups, hospital directors, senior physicians, and practicing specialists. FOCUS reports that, to create the ranking, doctors and patients across Germany are asked whom they would choose to treat themselves. The ranking was then compiled after consultation with researchers and representatives of relevant scientific societies, FOCUS states.

The current 2015 edition of the "Guter Rat" (Good Advice) doctor list continues to follow its simple yet effective principle: doctors recommend colleagues they would choose to treat themselves or their relatives. It indicates that the demand for neurologists and pain specialists is currently particularly high. Waiting times of many months are not uncommon – unless it is an emergency. Professor Hartmut Göbel is once again listed among the top physicians in the "Guter Rat" ranking for pain therapy.

Professor Hartmut Göbel said: “My team and I are delighted that our commitment is receiving so much recognition and support. The awards are an incentive to continue our efforts to develop modern therapies for these debilitating diseases.”.