Medical studies at the University of Innsbruck from 1982 to 1988. Doctorate (Dr. med. univ.) at the University of Innsbruck in July 1988. Training as an internist and cardiologist with a specialization in electrophysiology at the hospitals Altstätten, Cantonal Hospital St. Gallen, Triemli City Hospital Zurich, and University Hospital Basel.
Habilitation at the University of Innsbruck in April 2004, transfer of habilitation to the University of Basel in June 2007. Title of Professor at the University of Basel in February 2012.