MHB celebrates 76 graduates

Brandenburg an der Havel, 11 July 2026

The Paulikloster, a former monastery in Brandenburg an der Havel, offered a perfect festive setting for the Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane (MHB) to celebrate this year’s 76 graduates. Most of them were present to enjoy this milestone in their careers together with family and friends, teachers and companions.
Prior to the ceremony, graduates assembled in traditional gowns for the official memory shots and the symbolic tossing of hats in the air.
This was the third graduation ceremony in a row for all courses, “in the true MHB spirit of togetherness, exchange, cooperation and joint pursuit of excellent education, research and care provision”, so MHB president Prof. Hans-Uwe Simon in his words of welcome.

Strong network, profound attachment

Simon underlined the significance of partnerships as a sound basis for the MHB. “We rely on a strong network of associates: university hospitals in Brandenburg an der Havel, Neuruppin, Bernau and Rüdersdorf, public utilities Neuruppin, and specifically the regional savings bank Ostprignitz-Ruppin, whose considerable financial contributions are essential for a number of students to study at the MHB. All these institutions accompany developments at the MHB with extensive commitment, the same as partner clinics, teaching hospitals, specialist practices and other cooperation partners. They facilitate medical education close to practice and thus contribute to the high quality of our programs. Our sincere thanks for their dedication go to all of them.”  
Addressing the graduates, he praised their commitment, imagination and persistence: “You all in your own way have helped to shape the profile of our university and will remain a life-long part of it as alumni. This shared dedication is now culminating in the moment you have been working towards, your graduation.”

Appreciation of individual programs

Simon addressed the achievements of all cohorts successively. Referring to the 7th class of medical graduates, the president spoke of years of intensive training, marked by curiosity, resilience and a remarkable willingness to assume responsibility; of electives and practical periods, of studies over days and nights, of pushing oneself to the limit and supporting each other. He spoke of social, structural and personal challenges and congratulated the young physicians on their resulting professional and human maturity.  

Further, he congratulated the graduates of the 12th Bachelor class in psychology and the 11th Master cohort in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy: “You have addressed the highly complex facets of human experience with scientific precision and empathy. You have explored, analyzed and scrutinized, and understood that science always relates to humans. You have prepared for one of the probably most demanding tasks ever: to accompany and guide individuals through crises, injuries and inner upheavals.”  

The second class of the Master program Health Services Research also celebrated its graduation: “You have explored major issues such as how to organize healthcare better, how to reach people where care provision is not working well, and how to translate research into change in practice.”

Independent of the program completed, Simon stressed the social responsibility of all graduates: “You are now assuming responsibility for the well-being of others, for their journeys through life and their health, in settings of clinics, surgeries, research or society. This is no easy assignment and not to be taken for granted. But you have made a conscious decision for dedication and care, which makes this moment so special.”
Simon concluded with thanks to all involved, and best wishes to the graduates, their families, friends, fellow students and teachers. He thanked them for their commitment, trust, imagination, critical input and passion, for everything they have given to the university and are going to take out into the world. He admonished them to preserve their curiosity, stance and humanity and pursue their individual paths with courage, responsibility and confidence.

Impulse lecture and year representatives

Subsequent speakers were Dean Prof. Christine Holmberg and year representatives:  Philip Kühntopp (MA Psychology), Leonie Walther (BA Psychology), and Inka Bukowski (medicine).

Awards for commitment and outstanding academic performance

The ceremonious presentation of special awards was an important program item. President Simon stressed the significance of outstanding performance and initiative: “A university thrives on people who are proactive above and beyond expectations, on inquisitiveness and a will to perform, on the urge to make a difference. This is why we are now going to honor individual students for outstanding academic performance, and others for exceptional dedication, initiative and service to the community; they all deserve our special recognition.”  
This year, the choice of prize winners was far from easy, in view of the wide range of student activities and initiatives. The following names are therefore representative for a large number of other deserving individuals: Theresa Stooß, Henrik Wachtel, Constantin Remus, Philip Kühntop, Sarah Dohle, Isabell Zeiger, Helen Deimel, Clara Jänsch, Anna Kulisch, and Fiona Eichhorn. They and many others have worked for the benefit of the university in projects, campaigns, panels and teams. “University life thrives on people who develop ideas together, assume responsibility and achieve something,” so
Prof. Simon.

The savings bank Ostprignitz-Ruppin as a sponsor and founding partner of the MHB co-financed the awards for the best and the most dedicated students. Prof. Simon thanked this important associate for their continued and reliable support: “Your Training Loan program, your support for grants and promotion of student initiatives are essential contributions to opening chances, promoting talent and facilitating development. You invest not only in academic education and regional development but also in dedicated individuals whose learning, stance and application will leave a mark on our society.”  

Mario Zehle from the board of the savings bank was then called on stage to present the certificates and awards to the graduates.

Carla Kniestedt acted as presenter, and musical accompaniment came from the Berlin Jazz Ensemble with Prof. Johannes Albes. The official part of the program was followed by personal encounters and conversations.