Study quota and practical experience: studying medicine differently

Study medicine without numerus clausus: In order to strengthen the healthcare system with more young professionals in the field of medicine, the state of Hesse offers the opportunity to gain university admission to human medicine with a double preliminary quota. At the same time, with the Hessen | Land | Medizin initiative, HeLaMed for short, the state is supporting future doctors, placing them at the centre of training and preparing them for the exciting work in rural healthcare. As part of this initiative, five medical students from Marburg visited the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg at the end of September to gain an overview of GP work in rural areas. They were supported by their university, the state of Hesse, the participating medical practices and the health department of the Waldeck-Frankenberg district.

Seeing everyday life instead of just poring over books
Good preparation for the profession: this is what the HeLaMed initiative of the state of Hesse is committed to with its primary care focus programme. Medical students not only have to leaf through books, but also experience the day-to-day work of a country doctor and gain experience. They are supported by various organisations, including the health department of the Waldeck-Frankenberg district. "The state's various programmes and initiatives make it clear that we need to take action in the area of healthcare. Young people need to experience for themselves what everyday practice in the countryside looks like. Unfortunately, this is often burdened by deterrent prejudices," explains Karl-Friedrich Frese, First District Councillor and Head of the Health Department.

More personal relationships with patients
Many patients in rural areas have known their GP since childhood. They rarely change doctors, which creates a much more personal relationship than would be possible in a big city. "This almost familial interaction means that the doctor has a completely different level of knowledge, which can be a great advantage when treating a patient. The fact that parents or grandparents often have the same GP makes it easier to establish relationships," explains Katharina Wilke, Health Coordinator at the Specialist Health Service.

Easier entry intomedical studies
The aim of the study place quota is to make it easier for school leavers to enter medical studies. The grade point average is no longer so decisive, but rather personal and professional aptitude takes centre stage in the selection process. After successfully completing their studies, the future of students - who start studying medicine via the study place quota - lies in the public healthcare system, in GP care in rural areas in the field of general medicine or paediatrics and adolescent medicine.

The study place quota was introduced for the first time in 2022 and the first selected students are now studying medicine at one of the three leading medical universities in Hesse. "Anyone starting their medical studies in Frankfurt am Main, Giessen or Marburg is not far from home in Waldeck-Frankenberg," says the First District Councillor with a twinkle in his eye. Because it will soon be that time again! The application phase for the winter semester starts on the first of February. Applications can simply be submitted online on the website of the state of Hesse.

Further information about becoming a country doctor can be found on the district's website at www.landkreis-waldeck-frankenberg.de. Information on the study quota can be found on the website of the state of Hesse at www.hlfgp.hessen.de/medizin-studieren.

Keywords:

Specialist health service Become a country doctor