The study of medicine at the Paracelsus Medical University differs in a number of basic points to studying medicine at state universities:
Alongside the internationally prescribed curriculum we offer numerous subjects, which so far, have not been included in traditional medical education yet meet the needs of our modern day and age.
This includes the following areas:
- Nutritional medicine
- Health economics
- General medicine, family medicine and preventive medicine
- Growth and development
- Aging and geriatrics
- Medicine and ethics
- Professionalism in medicine
- Research and scientific work
- Gender-specific health issues (Gender Medicine)
- Communication and social skills
Furthermore, alongside professional competence, the student learns how to manage critical situations in clinical practice and acquires communication skills which focus on patient needs. In addition to this patient-oriented education, the basic rudiments of research and scientific work are also conveyed.
Students already have contact with patients at the end of the first year, meaning that bedside manners and the appropriate communication skills in dealing with patients are taught straight from the start. Patient-student contact steadily increases during the course and is termed "bedside teaching". A large part of the degree course involves bedside teaching.
Wherever possible and appropriate, tuition is carried out in small groups and includes the independent study of diagnostic and therapeutic steps under the supervision of experienced clinicians. A holistic approach underlies the tuition of the entire program (not vertical, but horizontal learning), and examines how systems function for example.
The degree course could be condensed into five years owing to the streamlined organization of the nevertheless broad syllabus. The prerequisite for this intensive course of studies are highly motivated students and teachers.
The Paracelsus Medical University selects its students on the basis of an admissions process. The aim is to admit candidates who fulfill the prerequisites for studying medicine with their social skills and intellectual abilities. PMU scholarships, state grants and the pre-financing models enable all students to finance their tuition fees. The Paracelsus University explicitly encourages all highly qualified candidates to apply for a place at the University.
The small number of students (50 per year) allows for individual, practical and highly efficient teaching in small groups.
International experience - USMLE Step
The rigorous application process, the small number of students, as well as an excellent student-to-teaching-staff ratio, result in a relatively low failure rate. The teacher- student relationship is based on Anglo-American role models. Those who have successfully completed the selection process are considered as valued partners who in turn are expected to meet the performance requirements.
On average a tutor teaches fewer than 10 students. Students can be supervised by a mentor throughout their studies if they wish.
A research trimester is scheduled for the 4th year of study. This trimester (4 months) serves as an introduction to scientific work. This gives students the chance to work on current research projects at the Paracelsus University Clinics and their affiliated research institutes. They may conclude their studies with a scientific publication in a peer-review journal.
International experience and internationality
International experience can be acquired both in the fourth year of study (research trimester) and in the fifth year, during the electives. Numerous opportunities are offered by the Paracelsus University’s various teaching hospitals as well as other institutions abroad (e.g. Mayo Clinic).
To enable our graduates to pursue an international career, the first part of the American entrance examination for medical practitioners (USMLE Step 1) is compulsory for students of the 3rd academic year. The USMLE examination takes place in Munich. It is not possible to graduate from the Paracelsus Medical University without passing this examination. However, it is possible to retake the exam more than once until the end of the 5th academic year.
