The six-semester, i.e. three-year theoretical phase of the program will launch in autumn 2025 in Budapest, initially with 40 students, and from the following year onwards, with 80 students per year. After the theoretical phase, students will complete the three-year clinical module within the framework of a unique teaching model at Westpfalz-Klinikum in Rhineland-Palatinate. The German clinical training will be based on the Hungarian curriculum. Graduates will receive their diplomas from Semmelweis University.
We are delighted that this cooperation will enable Westpfalz-Klinikum to become an attractive and internationally renowned medical school and science center, to contribute to the training of the future generation of physicians, and to participate in distinguished research projects. – Dr. Karlheinz Seidl
Westpfalz-Klinikum’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Karlheinz Seidl, who is in charge of the students’ clinical training, added that the practical training in Kaiserslautern would significantly improve medical care, especially in rural regions.
Thorsten Hemmer, Managing Director of Westpfalz-Klinikum, also sees great potential in the cooperation: “This collaboration is an important step in retaining talented young doctors in our region in the long term. The students benefit from intensive clinical practice here on site and upon completing their medical studies, they will receive an internationally recognized degree with the Semmelweis diploma. We are already looking forward to welcoming them to Westpfalz-Klinikum. We are committed to providing the best possible support,” the managing director said.
A major advantage of the planned training is that the curriculum will be taught in German. This is particularly important for German students, who will be able to study in Budapest in their mother tongue.
“German has a long tradition in Hungary, and speaking German here is very popular,” pointed out Dr. Béla Merkely, Rector of Semmelweis University, who also introduced Semmelweis University in the context of the agreement:
The more than 250-year-old Semmelweis University launched the German-language training of medical doctors in 1983, followed by the English-language training six years later. Over the past 40 years, the ratio of international students and the number of international courses on offer have grown dynamically: As a result, more than a third of students at Semmelweis University and, within that, more than half of students at the Faculty of Medicine are international students, coming from 123 countries.
Currently, all six faculties and the Doctoral College of the university offer foreign-language training in some form. In addition to Hungary, the institution is also present in five other countries, with off-site courses in Germany, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Switzerland.
The strength of Semmelweis University lies in its tradition, the high level of theoretical education and practical training, good academic performance, and its international character, the rector emphasized. Clinical research always involves multiple actors, is based on international relationships, and usually results in a significant scientific output. This is why it is essential for the university to make use of the opportunities for everyday international cooperation, and to bring Hungarian and international students closer together in all areas, he stressed.
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In addition to close cooperation in education, Westpfalz-Klinikum and Semmelweis University also aim to strengthen their research activities and scientific cooperation. Students enrolled in the program will thus also have the opportunity to participate in research projects of the two institutions.
Anja Pfeiffer, Chair of the Supervisory Board of Westpfalz-Klinikum and City Councilor of Kaiserslautern, welcomed the cooperation: “For the city of Kaiserslautern and the entire Western Palatinate region, the on-site training of doctors and other healthcare professionals offers many advantages. It significantly enhances the medical infrastructure in our region as a whole. We are very proud of this unique and forward-looking project.”
The cooperation will also bring significant benefits for Semmelweis University, as Rector Dr. Béla Merkely emphasized:
By signing this memorandum of understanding, we have taken an important step towards deepening the cooperation between Semmelweis University and Westpfalz-Klinikum, one of the most important hospital complexes in Rhineland-Palatinate. By gradually increasing the number of students applying to the university, we will ensure stronger economic growth and better predictability for our institutions. We also hope that this cooperation will lead to increased scientific cooperation and research capabilities and further enhance the reputation of our university.
Eszter Kovács, Judit Szlovák – Directorate of International Relations
Translation: Judit Szabados-Dőtsch
Photos by Westpfalz-Klinikum GmbH
