Speed dating helps to find hospital of choice. Matchmaking event for students and clinics

Neuruppin, 23 February 2017

The hospital network Ruppiner Kliniken hosted the so called Marketplace of Clinics in their ceremonial hall on 22 February 2017. This format is unique in Germany according to Dagmar Maske, coordinator of the student affairs section: “The setting, not unlike speed dating, facilitates first personal encounters between first-year medical students and representatives of our cooperating hospitals.”

Medical directors, hospital managers, personnel officers and physicians from 13 cooperating clinics met 31 students who started their medical studies last April. A special feature is that the hospitals assume part of tuition fees, i.e. 80.000 euros per student. In return students commit themselves to complete their 5-year specialist training at a specific hospital after graduation.

The Evangelisches Krankenhaus Ludwigsfelde-Teltow is the first choice for medical student Kim Drubel. She thinks it is splendid to get the option of a 80.000 euros grant and secure a place for medical specialization at an early time: “Being bound to a particular hospital is by no means a negative aspect; this concept supports immediate integration, long-term planning reliability and excellent career opportunities.”

The first introductory stage is followed by several lottery-style rounds where candidates can try to secure a place at the hospital of their choice. All available grants and places are allocated after three rounds. Dagmar Maske reported a general atmosphere of satisfaction and even tears of joy and relief from some candidates at this year’s matchmaking event.