MHB celebrates next generation of physicians

Brandenburg an der Havel, 10 July 2023

A ceremony last Saturday at the event location and former monastery Paulikloster in Brandenburg/Havel celebrated 34 graduates who started their medical studies in April 2017. Welcoming about 250 students, family and guests, MHB president Prof. Hans-Uwe Simon said it was a very special day for the MHB, the State of Brandenburg and in particular for the third cohort of medical graduates.  

He was pleased to note that the majority of them – the same as with the first two cohorts – will start their 5-year specialization at one of the cooperating hospitals in Brandenburg, seven of them “here in town”. This was the hoped-for effect when the MHB was founded in 2014.

Well equipped

Prof. Markus Deckert, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, addressed the climate change in his keynote speech and underlined the significance of climate protection for health: “There are no problems in the world which climate change does not intensify.” He reminded the graduates that they were by no means finished but just setting out on a long way, and recommended selflessness and humility as essential virtues in their profession. In conclusion he declared them well equipped for their chosen path.  

End of a lovely time

Speaking for her class of graduates, Katharina Schneider remembered the first days at the MHB, organizational misfortunes, occasional wild times and entire semesters literally flying by. She described how the MHB became a haven like Hogwarts for her, and the region a new home. What remained in her memory were curricular and extracurricular highlights, and last but not least the tremendous dedication among students who during the Corona pandemic volunteered at vaccination points and in hospitals. “For a total of 2190 days we explored the world of medical studies at the MHB and discovered both a profession and a calling. The MHB is different and very special, and we want to give our thanks on a day that marks the end of a lovely time.”

Prof. Stefanie Oess, Vice Dean for Curricular and Student Affairs and Professor of Biochemistry, handed over the certificates, together with Prof. Andreas Winkelmann, Professor of Anatomy and director of the Institute of Anatomy. Founding Dean Prof. Dieter Nürnberg and Mario Zehle from the board of the local savings bank congratulated Henrike Huntemann and Gregor Barth who finished at the top of their class.

As on previous occasions such as the enrolment ceremony six years ago, the Berlin Jazz Ensemble provided musical accompaniment, and Carla Kniestedt acted as presenter.