Two Cohorts, Two Milestones: Certificate Ceremony for Health Sciences & Leadership
On 17 September 2026, the focus at PMU was firmly on health sciences, management and leadership. At a celebratory certificate ceremony, the achievements of two cohorts were recognised. The 20 students of the HSL25 cohort successfully completed Stage I of the programme. For the 21 students of the HSL24 cohort, completing Stage II marked another important milestone: earning the academic designation “Academic Expert in Health Sciences & Leadership”.
The Master’s programme in Health Sciences & Leadership is designed for healthcare professionals in leadership positions and combines health sciences, leadership and management with academic and research expertise. Designed to be completed alongside employment, the interdisciplinary programme comprises six semesters and 120 ECTS credits.
Leadership Means More Than Management
Dr Thomas Caspari, a member of the programme management team, welcomed the students and highlighted what made this year’s ceremony particularly special: for the first time, two cohorts received their certificates under the new curriculum.
Associate Professor Martin Laimer, MD, MSc, a member of the programme management team and representative of the programme’s cooperation partner University Hospital Salzburg, paid particular tribute to the students’ achievement in combining a demanding course of study with professional and personal commitments. He also reflected on the challenges facing healthcare leaders today. A sound understanding of structures and data, the responsible use of resources and the ability to motivate staff even in challenging times are essential prerequisites for effective leadership.
Against the backdrop of demographic change, technological progress and an increasingly dynamic environment, he emphasised another quality of particular importance: being human and remaining human. Good leadership also begins with leading oneself, includes a willingness to learn from setbacks and requires a moral compass.
New Perspectives Through Exchange
The students’ contributions also illustrated how the programme can change professional perspectives. Alexander Pettendorfer, BScN, from the HSL25 cohort described a key shift he had experienced after his first year of study: rather than focusing solely on the question “How do we do this?”, the questions “Why do we do it this way?” and “Could we do it better?” had become increasingly important. New perspectives and ideas emerge not least through exchange with colleagues from different professional backgrounds.
Dr med. univ. Anton Kugler from the HSL24 cohort reflected on some of the topics covered during the second year of study – ranging from lean management and a complex management simulation to digitalisation in healthcare. For him, the exchange within the group was particularly valuable. The input provided by lecturers was further developed through the students’ different experiences and perspectives and transferred into their own professional practice.
This diversity is a key element of the programme. Graduates from previous cohorts have likewise described interdisciplinary exchange and learning together from different perspectives as particularly valuable.
Following the certificate ceremony and speeches by the students, the evening concluded with drinks and refreshments, providing an opportunity to celebrate together.
Congratulations to the HSL24 and HSL25 cohorts on reaching these important milestones, and all the best for the next stages of their journey!
More information about the Master’s programme in Health Sciences & Leadership: www.pmu.ac.at/studium-weiterbildung/masterstudium-health-sciences-leadership
