After trying to be an employee both in the United States and in the Hungarian Public Health system he quickly realised the necessity for him to establish a different connection to patients and fellow doctors.

As he frequently says: patients need to be treated like a friend, with patience and straight-forward explanations.

Dr. Kirschner is a Certified MD both in the USA and in Hungary, and he eventually choose his motherland to build up a clinic network to a higher level of medical services in line with what as he saw in the States.

Now with 28 years of medical experience he holds 3 specialities, deeply understands companies’ medical requirements and runs private insurance plans for some 15.000 people countrywide.

He and his wife wish to transfer the largest doctor owned medical company in Hungary to their children in the next 12 years.

1. Where did you grow up?

Partially in Budapest - on the Buda side - and in the countryside near Győr, close to the Austrian border. At that time Austrians often came over for a good hairdresser, a great cake, and to visit a dentist - since it was cheaper then here. 

2. If you could be an expat anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

Budapest. This city is really a beautiful place to live. On 6000 Euros a month you can have the best living conditions here compared to anywhere in the world.

My other choice would be the Maldives, which has obvious attractions, however there is no winter there and also no world class cultural performances in Malé like there are in Budapest.

Austria is nice but more expensive and they do not welcome expats as much as they do in Hungary, for example they would not invite you in the their home for a birthday party.  

3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?

Theoretically the food, which is a very good mix of Eastern, Italian, and French cuisine. Also, the really good local wines.

Plus I would also miss Lake Balaton, Mátra and the Pilis Hills where you can make great excursions. 

I would also greatly miss hearing the Hungarian language. Just recently I saw a theatre performance based on the film ‘Még egy kört mindenkinek’ (Another round for everybody). It is about four friends, all high school teachers, and they test a theory that they will improve their lives by maintaining a constant level of alcohol in their blood. It is deep yet hilarious, without any rude words, just funny use of Hungarian. It is great how people can create comedy here, and I would miss that too. 

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?

Well in winter, the Liszt Academy of Music is a must to enjoy extraordinary concerts, plus the Palace of Arts here, and also in the House of Hungarian Music. This city is culturally amazing.

In the summer, the White Raven Skybar to watch the August 20th fireworks.  Then the Wine Festival in the Buda Castle district, where you can find great Hungarian food like sausages and cheese as well as fine wines.

5. What is your favourite food?

The deer medallion dish with its great garnishes at Stand25 Bistro on Attila ut. And tökfőzelék with fasírt. Also palacsinta with sweet cottage cheese filling. 

6. What is your favourite sport / form of exercise?

Cycling. I do mountain biking in the Buda Hills every day. Also, I do indoor Spinning to music, I like the changes between lower and higher intensities. Sometimes I lift weights. Earlier with my wife we did dance for 5 years, that was fun even if I wasn’t so good. When I was younger I competed in judo and go my black belt, I also did wrestling during university. 

7. What is your favourite place in Hungary?

Zamárdi, where I have a place with the view of the Lake and the Tihany peninsula. Watching the sunsets there with a glass of Rizling or Muskotályos is fantastic. 

8. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

Earlier I was very curious about driving, so I would say a driving dynamics engineer - to have deeper understanding of the mechanics of a car and how it can be maximised for the best drive. I find that fascinating, but I am perfectly happy being a doctor.

9. What’s a job you would definitely never want?

A politician. 

10. Where did you spend your last vacation?

In Zamárdi, Balatonfüred and Somló.

11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?

This summer I would like to go to Mátrafüred. I did a lot of international travelling before, now I prefer to staying in this country. In the winter we will go to the Maldives again, where I love the pristine environment, and also the fresh seafood. 

12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

Film: Star Wars
Band: Hungária
Hobby: Fishing with my Dad at Fertő Lake – I have some great stories to tell from back in those days!

13. Apart from temptation what can't you resist?

Ice-cream: chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. 

14. Red wine or white?

White: Sauvignon Blanc and Furmint. 

15. Book or movie?

Book: I recently read one about János Neumann, you know the inventor of the atomic bomb. 

16. Morning person or night person?

Morning these days, but I used to be a night one, must be connected to getting older…

17. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

Sustainability and the environment, particularly the issue of Global Warming and the state of the planet we will pass on to our children.

18. Buda or Pest side?

Buda.

19. Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about?

I am most proud of my children, and then my growing company.

20. What would you say is your personal motto?

Behave with people how you expect to be treated. 
And, always focus on solutions.