Alumni Interview Series: From Campus to the Worl
Ten years after graduating, Isa-Maria van Wersch looks back on her time at Paracelsus Medical Private University (PMU). Today, she is a trainee specialist in visceral surgery, a mother of two, and a board member of the Alumni Club. Isa-Maria shares her career path after university and reveals what the future holds for her.
From Salzburg to Nuremberg: After graduation, her journey took the PMU alumna back to Germany. As a tutor at the newly founded PMU campus in Nuremberg, she guided the first students through the dissection course and began her specialist training in the Department of General, Visceral, and Thoracic Surgery at Nuremberg Hospital. “Originally, I wanted to go into internal medicine, but I was spontaneously recruited because I had performed very skillfully during my clinical traineeship there. I took it as a huge compliment and agreed immediately,” says Isa-Maria.
Back to Her Roots
Teaching runs in her blood: In 2019, Isa-Maria returned to Salzburg as a guest lecturer, teaching anatomy alongside her former professors—a particularly formative experience for her. She then continued her teaching activities in Nuremberg. “I had a clear vision of what good, challenging, and sustainable teaching should look like, so I was able to put that into practice and inspire many people for surgery who might otherwise have overlooked the field.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the young doctor worked on the pneumological intensive care unit in Nuremberg, caring for critically ill patients. The impressions from this exceptional situation continue to resonate with her today. Afterward, Isa-Maria became a mother twice.
“Having children has enriched my life in a unique way, and my perspective on work, patients, and the medical system has changed as a result. It has made me a better doctor.”
Currently, the board member of the PMU Alumni Club is nearing completion of her specialist training in visceral surgery.
PMU Alumna Interview
Dear Isa-Maria, when you think back to your time at PMU, what was a highlight of your studies?
The incredible depth of knowledge in every subject. I really enjoyed diving deep into each field and, step by step, developing a profound understanding of the human body, expanding the network of connections in my mind. In the end, a huge masterpiece emerged, and I saw that only by working together can we deliver top-level medicine.
What advice do you have for current students?
I wish the future doctors to find their own niche and, despite system pressures, not to be deterred from practicing good medicine for the sake of their patients’ health.
How do you manage to balance family and career?
Balancing both in the daily hospital routine remains difficult; I wish it were easier. Priorities have to be set individually. Many female doctors and mothers achieve remarkable things—even in part-time roles at a very high level.
What are you looking forward to in the future?
To the practical, surgical work, to mentoring students, and to my involvement in the Alumni Club for a strong community.
Translated by Le Chat
