Neuruppin, 14 December 2020

As in summer, the MHB again opened virtual doors last Saturday with an attractive mix of contributions from students and teachers and a combination of videos and interactive live events. Prospective students of medicine and psychotherapy seized the opportunity to get a personal and authentic impression of the MHB, its innovative degree programmes and the practice-based formats of learning and instruction. Chat rooms had been set up for pertinent questions.

Dr. Eric Alexander Hoffmann as head of communications co-organised the event with a student team: “The idea was to give prospective students a personal impression of the MHB despite Corona, without compulsory masks, with no risk of infection, without the costs and time and effort involved in a trip to Neuruppin. First-hand information was offered about student life and accommodation, selection procedures, scholarships and sources of funding. The online format was simple and easy to access for potential applicants and their parents.”

Personal and interactive communication despite social distance

Participation in the virtual Open Day required no more than a PC/laptop or a mobile phone/iPad with internet access, camera, loudspeaker and microphone, and installation of the cost-free Webex app. A trial date had been arranged for participants to get familiar with the technology in advance.

Tom Putensen from the orga team acted as presenter for the Psychology part of the Open Day. He reported approximately 200 registrations within just four weeks – “a gratifyingly high number for this very personal and interactive event, despite the physical distance. We were able to answer lots of detailed questions, and the feedback in chat rooms was very positive.”

According to Hoffmann, the format of the virtual Open Day – created out of necessity, i.e. due to Corona – has worked well. The low-threshold service, so the feedback from participants, saves time and money and offers interested school-leavers ample opportunity for direct and individual contacts with MHB teachers and students. Prospective students get sufficient information to find out whether studies at the MHB are a real option for them.

“We have therefore decided to offer another virtual Open Day next year, irrespective of Corona. Obviously we also hope that the situation next summer permits an analogous Open Day on site. Plans are already underway for an additional smaller and condensed format for the period in between: a virtual 60-minute session with all essential information about the MHB. The first session is scheduled to take place on 17 February 2021 from 6 to 7 pm.”

Feedback from participants of the virtual Open Day

“Thank you for this day! No negative comments, quite the opposite: I was surprised that the video conference worked well and the organisation was super, unlike things at my home university … Hopefully until soon, best wishes for the season!”

“I’ll finish school next year, and I was lucky to attend your virtual Open Day. I am very happy about this opportunity to get information in time. Specifically, the new approach to becoming a psychotherapist has caught me, and I can hardly wait to start my studies.”

“Thank you for this very informative virtual Open Day. I was most impressed by the many clear and highly individual student comments. The many presentation slides were well designed and helpful. Excellent presentation!”

“Many thanks for all this information!”

“Thank you for this Open Day. I was happy to get information beyond what the MHB website offers. But I would have liked to learn more about the type of applicant the MHB is looking for, and why some applicants who are suited to becoming a doctor do not match the profile of MHB candidates.”

“Thank you so much for the Open Day! What I liked best was the focus on dialogue with students.”

“I enjoyed the information day very much. Presentations were very informative, and I am more than enthusiastic about the university and the Brandenburg medical model curriculum. I do hope to be accepted next semester. Thank you!”

“Presentations were very helpful and settled many questions. The guided tour helped to get a good impression of the medical programme at your university. Thank you to all involved, and all the best for a joyful Christmas time.”

“So grateful for this fantastic event! I got answers to all questions I had, and now am looking forward to my selection interview. Wish you a wonderful weekend and Christmas time!“

“Very informative, thank you!”

“Vast amounts of information, thank you! I had a great time.”

“Thank you, I got answers to all my questions in the course of that morning.”

“Very comprehensive, and most important: organised by students! I am looking forward to the MHB! ;)”

“The entire day was well structured and informative. Thank you so much :)”

“Thank you! I got some really useful information that will help me to decide. Best wishes!”

“This event was very informative, convincing and professional. A really good job! I guess the biggest problem will be to be accepted.”