In 1890 he began his medical studies in Innsbruck with anatomist Wilhelm Roux (1850-1924).
Shortly afterwards he transferred to the University of Graz, where he was influenced by neurologist Gabriel Anton (1858-1933), gynecologist Alfons von Rosthorn (1857-1909), histologist Alexander Rollett (1834-1903), internist Friedrich Kraus (1858-1936) and pediatrician Theodor Escherich (1857-1911), who was also his brother-in-law.
He was habilitated for pediatrics in 1900 at Graz, becoming an associate professor and director of its children’s clinic two years later.
He was particularly interested in the diathetic (hereditary and/or biological predisposition to a disorder) aspects of disease.
Another focus involved "social pediatrics", stressing the importance of nursing, education, hygiene and psychological concerns when dealing with children.