Here, participants in the Voluntary Scientific Year (FWJ) report on their experiences in the working group for visceral surgery at the University of Oldenburg.

Why did you decide to do a Voluntary Academic Year?

After my Abitur, I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to study. I just knew that I was particularly interested in degree programmes in biology or medicine. The FWJ offers the chance to get to know this field in particular, the various degree programmes and what everyday working life will be like later on.

Where are you based and what are your responsibilities?

My role and responsibilities are quite varied, and I’m given a lot of say in deciding which tasks I take on. Depending on the study or project, different tasks arise, often quite spontaneously. My duties range from office work (Excel spreadsheets, literature searches, PowerPoint presentations, etc.) to recruiting and supporting study participants, right through to receiving surgical specimens in the operating theatre and arranging their subsequent dispatch.

What challenges have you had to face so far?

Initially, establishing contact with study participants and actively engaging with colleagues such as doctors presented a major challenge for me. For example, reaching out to doctors myself to arrange participation in studies or to be allowed to observe operations. It turned out to be easier than I’d thought, as most people are very friendly and helpful. This has taught me to step outside my comfort zone and that it can even be fun. Another challenge was open-ended tasks, where you have to decide for yourself when to draw the line. You learn a lot about the world of work and research itself through this.

Furthermore, tasks that require knowledge you don’t actually have yet presented a challenge. But you get to grips with them through research and using the right tools. It can be a bit frustrating at first, but you learn a great deal from it. It’s more a case of trying things out and seeing if they work. Nobody holds it against you if you don’t get it right the first time, and you can always ask for help.

What has pleasantly surprised you?

My very warm and supportive working environment. I have nothing but positive things to say about the office, the clinic and the university. Also, the opportunity to play an active part in research. You pick up lots of useful skills along the way and gain experience that’s valuable for further study or a career in this field. It’s great to get to know the practical side of things and not just the theory, as you do at school.
Another absolute highlight was InterSurge 2025, a new interdisciplinary conference on the digital future of medicine, which I was able to attend and help organise.

What have you learnt so far during your voluntary service?

I’ve learnt an incredible amount during my voluntary service. For example, how to interact with patients and research subjects, how to carry out a literature review, how to use TotalSegmentator, how to operate the 3D printer, what day-to-day work as a doctor or scientist looks like, as well as the principles of scientific work and much more.

What advice would you give to future volunteers?

The FWJ is an absolutely brilliant opportunity to make productive use of the time after your Abitur and to figure out whether you’d like to pursue a similar career path later on. There’s no need to be afraid – stepping out of your comfort zone really pays off. Make the most of the opportunities and what’s on offer, both within the working group and at university.