Gert Postel

German impostor and fraudster

Gert Postel (born 18 June 1958) is a German impostor who became infamous for successfully posing as a medical doctor and psychiatrist despite having no formal medical education. His story is notable for highlighting issues in the verification of professional credentials and the potential for deception in the medical field.

Early Life

Gert Postel was born in Bremen, Germany. He grew up in a working-class family and left school without completing his education. Despite his lack of formal qualifications, Postel was known for his intelligence and charisma, traits that he would later use to his advantage in his fraudulent activities.

Impersonation as a Doctor

Postel's most notorious deception began in the late 1980s when he assumed the identity of a psychiatrist. He managed to secure a position as a senior physician at a psychiatric hospital in Saxony, where he worked for several years. During this time, he was responsible for diagnosing and treating patients, as well as supervising other medical staff.

Sign of the health department in Flensburg

Postel's success in this role was largely due to his ability to convincingly mimic the language and behavior of a trained psychiatrist. He was able to gain the trust of his colleagues and patients, and his lack of formal training went unnoticed for a significant period.

Discovery and Arrest

Postel's deception was eventually uncovered in 1995 when discrepancies in his credentials were discovered. He was arrested and charged with fraud and forgery. During his trial, Postel's defense argued that his successful performance as a psychiatrist demonstrated the flaws in the system that allowed him to practice without detection.

Later Life and Legacy

After serving a prison sentence, Postel became a public figure in Germany, often appearing in media interviews and writing about his experiences. He has been both criticized and admired for his audacity and the insights his case provides into the medical profession.

Postel's story has been the subject of books and documentaries, and it continues to be a cautionary tale about the importance of credential verification and the potential for deception in professional settings.

Related Pages

• Impostor
• Fraud
• Psychiatry
• Medical ethics