"Valuable contribution to healthcare"

Today, Federal Minister of Health Hermann Gröhe visited the University of Oldenburg to find out about new approaches to medical training and medical research. Accompanied by local Member of Parliament Stephan Albani, he visited the School V - School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The guests were welcomed by Prof Dr Martin Holthaus, Vice President for Research and Transfer at the University, the Acting Dean of School VI, Prof Dr Hans Gerd Nothwang, and the Dean of Medicine at Groningen, Prof Dr Marian Joëls. In particular, Gröhe was given an insight into the European Medical School Oldenburg-Groningen (EMS) model degree programme in human medicine, a cross-border anatomy teaching project and healthcare research in Oldenburg.

Federal Minister of Health Hermann Gröhe commented: "Against the backdrop of a society of longer lives, we need young doctors with team spirit, enthusiasm for their academic appointment and the ability to speak to patients as equals. With the Masterplan for Medical Studies 2020, we are therefore strengthening practical training and enabling universities to focus not only on good grades but also on students' social skills when selecting applicants. The University of Oldenburg's School of Medicine already pays attention to applicants' communication skills and places a special focus on the practical training of future doctors. In doing so, it is making a valuable contribution to healthcare in our country."

Prof Dr Martin Holthaus: "Natural scientists and doctors work very closely together at our School of Medicine. This means that the university not only lives up to its motto 'Open to new paths' - it also leads the way."

Prof Dr Hans Gerd Nothwang: "One of our goals is to provide highly qualified care for patients in rural areas. To achieve this, we need an innovative medical training programme with a focus on outpatient care and scientific work. This balancing act is successful - also thanks to our highly committed students and teaching staff."