Dr. Béla Merkely, Rector of the Semmelweis University, visited Semmelweis University’s Asklepios Campus Hamburg (ACH), accompanied by a five-member, high-level delegation. At the three-day official visit, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed regarding the fact that they wish to continue their unique cooperation in Europe after 2023. Furthermore, future development directions were also reviewed.
During the talks, the two parties discussed the current and possible future forms of the existing cooperation, as well as the necessary changes. They reviewed the curriculum of the training, the research activities in the institutions, exchanged their views on the necessary developments and discussed the opportunities for further professional and scientific training after obtaining the ACH degree. Both sides stressed the importance of quality, the representation of their individual and common interests, and their commitment to continuation. As a result, a Memorandum of Understanding was solemnly signed, in which it is unanimously expressed that they wish to continue the cooperation after the expiration of the current contract in 2023.
Within the framework of the two-country project, Semmelweis University and the German private company operating the campus implement a joint higher education training, which has been unique in Europe since its establishment in 2008. In accordance with the cooperation between Asklepios Clinics and Semmelweis University, students participating in the German language general medical training programme at Semmelweis University will have the opportunity, from their third year, to do the pre-clinical and clinical part of their education in Hamburg after completing the theoretical training. At the end of their studies, students receive Semmelweis University’s general medical degree recognized in the European Union as well as the “Dr. med.” title. However, in order for the candidate to obtain the German “Dr. med.” title as well, he or she needs to perform separate scientific work and write a separate scientific dissertation in accordance with the current regulations, after obtaining Semmelweis University’s degree. These conditions will be reviewed by the two parties in the near future.
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During the three-day programme, the delegation also visited several institutes of the Asklepios Clinics. At the Department of Cardiology of the St.-Georg Clinic, Dr. Karl Heinz Kuck, world-renowned expert, and his colleagues introduced the work of the department, where the guests could gain insight into the actual work carried out there. They also had the opportunity to learn about the most modern technology applied at the department through the ablation treatment of an emergency case of cardiomyopathy in the evening. In addition, the delegation of Semmelweis University visited the Department of Oncology and Palliative Medicine at the Barmbek Clinic, guided by Dr. Axel Stang, the Department of Gastroenterology and Interventional Endoscopy by Dr. Thomas von Hahn, the Department of General and Visceral Surgery by Dr. Karl J. Oldhafer, the Department of Cardiology by Dr. Gerian Grönefeld, and the Department of Pulmonology by Dr. Heinrich Becker.
Furthermore, the guests could also visit the Olympic Sports Centre (Olimpiastützpunkt), where Dr. Michael Ehnert presented the facilities and high-quality work at the sports centre.
During the meeting, Dr. Béla Merkely also had the opportunity to present to Dr. Karl J. Oldhafer the certificate on his appointment as university professor. Dr. Oldhafer is the representative of the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at ACH. After the visit, Semmelweis University emphasized the importance of maintaining this special cooperation and excellent professional relationship.
At the meeting in Hamburg, both parties were represented at the highest level. From Semmelweis University’s side, Dr. Béla Merkely, Rector and Director of the Heart and Vascular Centre, with his wife; Dr. Miklós Kellermayer, future Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Director of the Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology; Dr. András Kiss, Rector’s Commissioner for German relations (Austria, Germany, Switzerland) and Director of the 2nd Department of Pathology; Dr. Veronika Müller, Rector’s Commissioner of the Foreign Students’ Secretariat; and Dr. Attila Mócsai, Director of the Foreign Students’ Secretariat, Director of the German Language Programme, professor at the Department of Physiology, and Judit Szlovák, International Project Coordinator at the Directorate of International Relations.
On behalf of Asklepios Campus Hamburg, Kai Hankeln, Chairman of the Board of Asklepios Kliniken GmbH & Co. KGaA, Dr. Christoph U. Herborn, Head of the Board, and Dr. Christoph Jermann, Managing Director of Asklepios Medical School GmbH, received Semmelweis University’s delegation. In addition, Dr. Péter Bucsky, Rector’s Commissioner of the ACH campus, Dr. Karl J. Oldhafer, representative of the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at ACH and Director of the General Visceral Surgery Clinic, and Katja Schynawa, assistant to the Managing Director, were also present.
Judit Szlovák, Directorate of International Relations
Photo: Asklepios Campus Hamburg
Translation: Diána Módos
