The Medicine Degree Program

At the UMCH campus, a popular elective course for fourth-year students was held once again. Dr. med. Michael Jonas, Chief Physician of the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology and Medical Director at Klinikum Moers, together with his colleague Dr. med. Stephan Haller, Chief Physician of Radiology, introduced aspiring physicians to the topic of “Osteoligamentous Trauma: From Diagnosis to Treatment – From Casts to Artificial Joints.”

The course kicked off with an intensive theoretical introduction, where Dr. Jonas and Dr. Haller presented real-life case studies from orthopedics and traumatology, ranging from severe injuries to extreme cases. In an open discussion, students and instructors collaboratively examined the best approaches for each case. This interactive setting allowed the future doctors not only to develop their own solutions but also to consider the risks of missing or incorrect steps. A central question guided the discussion: “What should you pay attention to in order to respond correctly?” The practical discussion fostered a deeper understanding and sharpened their awareness of critical details in treating osteoligamentous injuries.'

Following the theory block, students moved on to the hands-on part, where they gained their first practical experience. Under guidance, they applied casts and bandages themselves and learned how to remove casts using a saw—a skill that not only provided technical knowledge but also a feel for handling these materials. A highlight on the second day involved drilling into synthetic bones, allowing students to get a first sense of bone consistency and develop confidence in using tools. “This course gives us a real glimpse into the world of orthopedics and traumatology and shows us what truly matters in practice,” shared one participant. “Dr. Jonas and Dr. Haller not only provided knowledge but also enhanced our awareness of managing potential emergency situations in the future.”

The elective course offered participants a unique blend of theory and practice, highly appreciated by all students. With their hands-on teaching style, Dr. Jonas and Dr. Haller laid a solid foundation, equipping the future doctors with the essential skills they’ll need in their careers in orthopedics and traumatology.

At the UMCH campus in Hamburg, medical students received exclusive training in disaster medicine – directly from an experienced practitioner: Dr. Claus-Robin Fritzemeier, senior physician in trauma surgery and orthopedics at the Evangelisches Krankenhaus Mettmann, brought his expertise to the elective course “Disaster Medicine,” putting the lecture hall into crisis mode.

Dr. Fritzemeier is not only a specialist in orthopedics and trauma surgery but also an expert in emergency medicine and triage—the vital question of who should be treated first in a crisis situation. From his experiences during the flood disaster in the Ahr Valley and the evacuation of hospitals, he provided students with real insights into the complex and often unforgiving reality of disaster medicine.

Through practical scenarios and case studies, participants were prepared for emergency situations that may arise in real-life events. “Make decisions in seconds and set priorities” was the mantra of the course, where Dr. Fritzemeier illustrated through practical exercises how medical professionals operate in mass casualty incidents and disasters, such as traffic accidents or terrorist attacks. However, less “dramatic” emergencies were also discussed: an outbreak of gastroenteritis in a nursing home or a natural disaster like an earthquake—scenarios that demand considerable experience and a cool head. Particularly impressive was the discussion about triage, a crucial skill in disaster medicine: with limited resources, it must be decided who needs immediate assistance and who must wait. Dr. Fritzemeier emphasized this ability and used various case studies to make the theory engaging and comprehensible.

“For us, it was a unique opportunity to experience someone who is in the midst of the action and reports from practice,” said one participant. “Dr. Fritzemeier not only conveyed the hard facts but also showed us what it means to take responsibility in critical situations.”

The two-day elective course allowed students to practice making important decisions under realistic conditions and with professional guidance. Dr. Fritzemeier ensured that the aspiring medical professionals developed not only theoretical knowledge but also an instinct for handling crisis situations—a hands-on experience rarely conveyed so palpably in medical education.

With this elective course, which equipped participants with practical competence in extreme situations, UMCH once again set a standard for the hands-on training of its students.

As part of the Reach Higher event at UMCH, Dr. Vaeckenstedt, an experienced insurance physician, provided fascinating insights into the world of insurance medicine. In his lecture titled “The Most Important Key Facts for Prospective Doctors on the Subject of Insurance Medicine – A Brief Overview,” he explained how insurance works and the financial considerations involved.

Dr. Vaeckenstedt began with a clear explanation of cash flow in a health insurance company. Using an illustrative example of an employee who suffered a shoulder fracture, he demonstrated how doctors operate within the field of insurance medicine. “Doctors are, in a sense, also calculators,” he noted. Calculating the necessary funds for treating an accident involves not only the current state of health but also long-term effects, such as potential early retirement. If the employee can no longer work due to the injury, these factors must also be considered in the insurance company’s financial planning.

A central topic was the uncertainty many people feel about whether they have sufficient insurance coverage. Dr. Vaeckenstedt clarified that insurance in one country does not automatically imply equivalent coverage in Germany or elsewhere. This information is critical for assessing claims and deciding whether an insurance company will cover a treatment. For students and international doctors in particular, it is essential to know what regulations apply to them.

Additionally, Dr. Vaeckenstedt explained that doctors are often asked whether a treatment is covered by insurance, whether it was appropriate, whether it has been completed, whether there are lasting effects, and whether the costs can be estimated. These questions are essential for insurance assessments. The event attracted a large number of students interested in the intersection of medicine and insurance. Dr. Vaeckenstedt managed to present complex topics in an understandable way.

The lecture was a great success and left a lasting impression on the students. The event highlighted the importance of educating future doctors about different aspects of medicine and how they impact the healthcare system, providing them with a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities in their future profession.

Students in their 3rd and 4th years had the opportunity to participate in an exciting elective course on sonography. Led by Hon.-Prof. Dr. med. Christoph Vogt, Dr. med. Michael Reimann, and Dr. med. Klaus Schulte from St. Josef Hospital in Moers, the course offered an ideal combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application.

The day began with a captivating lecture open to all students of these years. They received deep insights into the fundamentals of sonography and important theoretical approaches that paved the way for practical implementation. The doctors not only explained technical details but also provided valuable tips that participants could apply later.

In the afternoon, the practical part followed: The students who had registered for the elective course were divided into small groups and could independently work on the provided ultrasound devices under the guidance of experienced specialists. This hands-on exercise allowed participants to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice while receiving valuable feedback from the instructors. Working in small groups gave the students ample time and space to deepen their skills in sonography and feel more confident in handling the devices.

The intensive small group work not only enhanced practical skills but also the understanding of the diagnostic use of sonography in clinical practice. Questions could be asked directly, and the methodology was learned step by step.

At the end of the two-day course, there was an exam in which the students’ acquired knowledge and practical skills were assessed. The participants left the course not only with expanded theoretical knowledge but also with strengthened practical skills in sonography, which they can apply in their further studies and future medical practice.

In October 2023, an elective course on "Sonography" was held at the UMCH Campus in Hamburg with physicians from the UMFST-UMCH Teaching Hospital in Moers, the St. Josef Hospital. For this purpose, Hon.-Prof. Dr. med. Christoph Vogt, Dr. med. Klaus Schulte, Dr. med. Marc Alexander Renter, Dr. med. Andreas Adler and Dr. med. Michael Reimann were present.

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