Successful start as key factor: MHB welcomes 163 new students

Neuruppin, 2 April 2026

The Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane (MHB) once again sent a strong message of faith in the future with the welcome ceremony for new students at the event location Kulturkirche Neuruppin on 2 April. 163 young people start their studies at the MHB, with 84 in medicine, 39 in the Bachelor course of psychology and 24 in the Master course of psychotherapy. The MHB also celebrated a premiere with the start of an interdisciplinary Master course in Addiction Care (11 beginners) and a Master course in Outcomes Research (5 beginners). A further 50 new dental medicine students will join the MHB in Brandenburg an der Havel on 11 April.

“No anonymous lecture halls at the MHB”

MHB president Prof. Hans-Uwe Simon underlined the significance of this first day for the beginners as the first step into their “dream program” – a hard-won success for many of them and not without detours. He recalled the MHB founders’ key objective: permanent remedy for the shortage of physicians and psychotherapists in the non-city state of Brandenburg. The contribution of MHB graduates to healthcare provision is already noticeable today. The MHB offers a familial atmosphere – no anonymous lecture halls, but close integration of theoretical and practical instruction at university hospitals in Bernau, Brandenburg an der Havel, Neuruppin and Rüdersdorf plus more than 35 additional cooperating clinics, so the president. A recently established preparatory course conveys scientific working methods and first impressions of clinical practice to facilitate the start into demanding studies.

Simon underlined the ethical responsibilities generally involved in the healing professions. In times of global upheavals, the MHB stands up for diversity, solidarity, freedom and democracy. He admonished the prospective health professionals to treat people with respect, irrespective of their origins or identity. Quoting from Theodor Fontane as the name-giver of the MHB, he stressed the importance of a good start, and “the rest will necessarily follow”.  He went on to thank Prof. Ulrike Liedtke, president of the regional parliament, and partners from affiliated hospitals for their valuable support.

MHB students accept responsibilities

Prof. Liedtke described the advantages of the region and wished the beginners confidence and courage for the coming years: “The studies you start today will require lots of work, discipline, persistence and concentration. But medicine and psychology require even more: judgement, a sharp ear, a clear view. They require the willingness to help others, often at times when your patients feel vulnerable, insecure or much distressed.” She said the ceremony was not just an administrative act, it marked a departure: “Your enrolment means that you accept responsibilities. And I am pleased to see that this happens here, at this university, which was founded in Neuruppin and is active for the benefit of Neuruppin and Brandenburg and far beyond – from the region for the region.” She spoke of the successes already achieved and repeated her commitment to reliable funding for the university and for research from the Brandenburg budget.
  
Prof. Thomas Stamm as Vice Dean for Curricular and Student Affairs used his words of greeting for insights into modes of learning. He gave two examples to illustrate the importance of the POL format (problem oriented learning), not least for diagnostics. “You will learn to ask questions, important questions, always new and better questions. During periods of practical training, students sometimes perceive the world as anything but pleasant. They see illness, patients’ worries, supply gaps, deficits in the healthcare system. Science and education can be successful if we accept that those involved in the search for the best solutions are allowed to fail. To quote from the MHB mission statement: Our ideal is Homo Ludens, the individual who engages with the world in a playful but at the same time responsible and graceful manner.” Prof. Stamm encouraged the first-semester students to take this attitude to heart.

Daniel Krüger, in his final semester of the Master course in Clinical Psychology, described the integration of theory and clinical work when he reported from about 1,500 hours of practical training and his work in addiction therapy. Telling others about periods spent “in rehab” can give rise to some funny misunderstandings unless you add “as a therapist”. He openly addressed the doubts he had right from the start and still has about whether he can cope. But he came to interpret this uncertainty – not insecurity – as a valuable stimulus. He compared the MHB and the instructors as a “huge toolbox” to choose from in order to get exactly the equipment you need. To this effect, he invited the new students “to take a deep breath and get cracking”.

Arriving with a suitcase full of questions

10th-semester student Madeleine Hoffmann still vividly recalls her own arrival at the MHB, “with a suitcase full of questions”. She started her studies in the middle of the Corona pandemic, a highly challenging beginning. She encouraged the newcomers to seek support in the “#mhbfamily” and meet potential companions. She advised them to stay calm and confident, find their own rhythm, make use of the numerous opportunities to join initiatives like “First Aid” or “Ein Herz für Erstis”, and profit from exchange at a human level.

The Berlin Jazz Ensemble directed by Prof. Johannes Albes again accompanied the event – a symbol of the creative and durable MHB community, so the president. Journalist Carla Kniestedt acted as moderator in her customary empathic style, while Nadine Shalala presented the now traditional “MHB Wine” on behalf of the donors’ association. More than 300 guests in total were subsequently invited to a reception with donuts and pretzels and ample opportunity to socialize among the growing academic community.