48 Medical Students Celebrate Bachelor's Graduation at PMU

Three intensive years of study, numerous challenges and one shared goal: On 9 October 2026, 48 medical students celebrated the completion of their bachelor's degree at Paracelsus Medical University (PMU) in Salzburg. Alongside their academic achievements, the ceremony highlighted the importance of solidarity, personal growth and the next step in their clinical education.

Graduates from the Human Medicine Class of 2023 gathered with their families, friends and supporters at PMU's Jörg Rehn Auditorium to celebrate an important milestone in their medical studies.

PMU Rector Associate Professor Annemarie Weißenbacher welcomed the guests, while Professor Elmar Aigner addressed the graduates. The ceremony was hosted by Christa Müller, MSc. The highlight of the event was the formal conferral of bachelor's degrees upon 48 students.

Three Years of Challenges and Shared Experiences

In their closing remarks, Patricia Buschina, Sophie Franzmair and Adrian Ramsbrock reflected on the experiences that had shaped their past three years. With humour and personal memories, they compared their journey through medical school to a mountain hike – from taking their first steps together to overcoming demanding climbs and finally reaching the summit.

Their journey began with getting to know one another in the first year and continued through challenging examinations, anatomy dissection courses and their first clinical experiences, culminating in the intensive study periods of their third year. Along the way, they developed not only medical knowledge but also perseverance, mutual support and resilience.

Over the course of three years, a group of strangers grew into a close-knit community, forming connections that extend far beyond university life.

Humanity at the Heart of Medicine

One particularly meaningful aspect of the students' reflections was their perspective on their future profession. At a time when artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping everyday life, they emphasised the qualities that remain fundamental to medicine: human connection, trust and personal experience.

Completing their bachelor's degree does not mark the end of their journey, but rather the beginning of a new phase. As they move into the clinical stage of their studies, new responsibilities, experiences and challenges await these future physicians.

The graduates also expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the people who had supported them throughout their studies – their families, friends and mentors.

A Shared Achievement and the Beginning of a New Chapter

The ceremony featured musical performances by PMU alumni Anna Binder and Simon Moser and concluded with a celebratory reception.

For the 48 graduates, the next chapter of their medical education now begins – building on the knowledge, experiences and friendships gained throughout their studies.

PMU warmly congratulates all graduates on achieving their bachelor's degrees and wishes them every success as they continue their medical education!