What’s next after graduation?

What’s Next After Graduation? Perspectives on Life After Medical School

What comes after medical school? This was the central question of the “What’s next after graduation?” event at UMFST-UMCH. Alumni and experienced physicians shared personal insights into different career paths and showed students just how diverse the opportunities after graduation can be.

Philipp Richter, MBA, UMFST-UMCH alumnus, PhD student at UMFST and resident physician in pathology, presented several academic pathways available after medical school. His talk focused on the differences between a Dr. med., PhD and MBA and on the question of which path best matches an individual’s professional goals.

Dr. Aref Hesso, also a UMFST-UMCH alumnus, offered a personal perspective on entering clinical practice. After graduating in 2025, he began his residency in Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery at Klinikum Lüdenscheid. His presentation highlighted how clinical experience, research and the medical thesis can already provide an important foundation for a future medical career while still at university.

A further perspective was provided by Hon.-Prof. Dr. Michael Klein, Director of the Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery at Klinikum Lüdenscheid. From the viewpoint of an experienced chief physician, he spoke about the transition from medical school to postgraduate medical training and the expectations of everyday clinical practice.

The key message of the event was clear: career planning already begins during medical school. Research experience, clinical exposure, the thesis and conversations with experienced physicians can all help students identify the professional path that suits them best.

In the spirit of the event: Think ahead. Start now.