Problemorientiertes Lernen im Medizinstudium

Abstract

The new curriculum for medical licensure in Germany focuses on interdisciplinary and problem-based learning. In recent years, first experiences with this learning model were gathered in several German medical schools conducting courses supplementing the traditional curriculum. This article describes the course "Nervous system and behavior" at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. This course was established in cooperation with Harvard University in Boston, USA (The Munich-Harvard Alliance) together with three other clinical courses and has run every semester since the winter of 1999. As this course integrates neuroscience disciplines with special emphasis on neurology and psychiatry, it may serve as a role model for the implementation of these subjects in a new curriculum. This article introduces the reader to its structure and elements as well as feedback from students.

A comparison of medical education in Germany and the United States: from applying to medical school to the beginnings of residency

“…The authors encouraged such an environment to German universities and promoted the extension of these international partnerships [ 9 ]. A number of such alliances currently exists: the Ludwig-Maximilian University in Munich keeps up a partnership to Harvard University [ 8 ], the University of Heidelberg offers 4 th year rotations at different US institutions [ 64 ], and the University of Rostock has a strong cooperation with the East Tennessee State University [ 65 ]. In addition, the Technical University of Munich regularly hosts a course of highly motivated medical students in form of a case discussion round and with participation of faculty and M.D./Ph.D.…”

“…Perhaps partly due to the formally distinct developments in these two countries, it is now the US that is considered as pioneer in structured medical education, clinical work, and scientific endeavors. German faculty and students today often seek the cooperation with American universities that are perceived by some as superior in their didactical efforts and more structured education [ 8 ]. These notions may explain why Anglo-American countries are the most popular destinations for German students to do foreign rotations, semesters, or entire research projects [ 9 ], [ 10 ].…”

Preparations of Students for Enrollment in Medical Schools

“…That preparation pays off later thanks to the innovations achieved and better service by each generation of doctors. 3 The best indicator presents the most popular destinations for German students when performing foreign rotations. 4 , 5 …”

Undergraduate medical education in Germany

“…for American medical education by Abraham Flexner [1]. Nowadays, however, the German medical faculties are looking towards the United States [2], Canada, and other European countries such as the United Kingdom and the Netherlands for good examples to follow. …”