Future Doctors Network

The idea behind this initiative is to complement the medical curriculum at Tirana University (Albania) on a long-term basis and integrate practical training. Three seminars in orthopedics, neurology and internal medicine are offered annually in Tirana. 

The Albanian curriculum does not allow for much patient contact and mainly covers theoretical education; moreover, medical students do not often have an opportunity to work under supervision of experienced physicians. So many young doctors start out on the job without sufficient experience in practice. But thorough physical examination of patients is essential in a country where medical equipment like an x-ray or ECG apparatus is rare and health care in general is destitute. The Future Doctors Network organizes seminars to train medical students in various examination techniques. Prospective physicians are encouraged to try out examination techniques with fellow students and patients to be better prepared for the job. 

This is why the Witten"Future Doctors" offer seminars in orthopedics, neurology and internal medicine on a regular basis. A German physician gives instruction and demonstrates examination techniques. Where possible, Albanian colleagues take over. Subsequently small groups of students repeat in practice what they have seen, supervised by student tutors. Tutors are students fromWitten but also from Albania; the latter received training at UW/H over the past years. 

The Witten team organizes a practice tests in the form of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) at the end of the seminar. Candidates are tested at a number of stations, each station being manned by an examiner and a simulation patient with a specific case history who must be appropriately examined. Candidates describe and explain what they do.

One objective is to integrate practice elements in the medical curriculum in Tirana. A secondary benefit, but quite relevant to participants, is the opportunity for cultural exchange with Albanian students. German students welcome the chance to gain insights into an unknown culture, to get organized, coordinate teams and assume responsibility for a joint project – in other words: to show social commitment.

Sophia von Blomberg from FDN: “We hope the seminars are valuable input for the Albanian curriculum. The seminars are in great demand, and positive feedback from young Albanian physicians shows that what we do makes sense.” The important thing now is to expand cooperation with seminar participants in order to pass on the idea. Sophia von Blomberg: “Hopefully these alumni will continue to foster practice orientation in medical education in Albania, in cooperation with the local partner student organization OMA (Organizata Mjeket e se Ardhmes).” Long-term objectives for the initiative are support for Albanian students to organize seminars of their own, and permanent integration of examination courses into the medical curriculum. 

Contact:
Thulasi Kirupanathan