Support for young researchers, proactive transformation: New stimuli for Young DGK

Brandenburg an der Havel, 24 June 2025

How to play an active part in shaping the future of cardiology? Dr. Johanna Tennigkeit (photo), assistant physician at the clinic of cardiology, nephrology and pneumology of the MHB university hospital in Brandenburg an der Havel, is the new deputy speaker of Young DGK, the junior section of the German Cardiac Society (DGK). Her ideas to inspire and recruit young physicians are regional visibility, targeted support of young researchers and innovative formats. She describes her vision for the section, current challenges, and the outstanding role of Brandenburg as an ambassador site.

The section Young DGK is an important panel to promote young scientists in the field of cardiology. Which are your visions for the Young DGK during your term as deputy speaker, and how do you plan to implement them?

Johanna Tennigkeit: In my view, the focus of our work is on sustained promotion of young physicians. Much has been achieved so far, and we need to build on this success and provide new impetus. Most important to me is regional visibility and participation. As the Brandenburg ambassador I witnessed the stimulating effect of local formats such as our Cardio Quiz. We plan to expand this kind of direct approach with other events, selective networking and low-threshold interactive formats. Another major concern of mine is exchange with the DGK board: young physicians need to be heard in health-political debates, be it on further training, digitization or hospital reforms. We want to position the Young DGK as an active partner in dialogue and thus be involved in real change.

A core target for the Young DGK is to promote further training, science and research. Which initiatives do you plan to go ahead with in order to give maximum support to young cardiologists?

I see much potential in extending the scope of Basic Science. This is where we plan more support for young colleagues, better visibility of possible career paths, and more exchange between clinicians and researchers. The new Young DGK Nucleus provides a strong fundament of expertise in basic sciences which will serve to develop innovative formats to connect both worlds. We also intend to continue existing programs, for example Congress Rookies, and add new formats of networking. In all this, we invite all members to join in, irrespective of career level or job location. The key focus is on methods that provide genuine orientation, illustrate specific career paths and lower the hurdles for participation in professional societies. A further concern is the expansion of grant programs to support scientific projects and congress participation. New members are welcome – every idea counts!

"I am convinced that local commitment is the key."

Which challenges to young cardiologists do you currently perceive in Germany, and how can Young DGK help to handle them?

Planability and compatibility of advanced training are a key topic for many young colleagues, all the more so in a discipline as specialized and demanding as cardiology. The Young DKG stands up for realistic case figures, transparent rotations and greater flexibility – not least for the benefit of young physicians with families. We also see a high degree of intrinsic motivation in the new generation – many of them want an active say in their career development, early responsibility and the chance to contribute new ideas. We want to foster this energy and make the most of it. I am convinced that local commitment is the key. Regular campaigns like the Cardio Quiz have reached lots of interested students here in Brandenburg and demonstrated how exciting and accessible cardiology is. The role of the MHB as an ambassador location of the Young DGK  makes us highly visible, and we are going to host the Autumn School, a key event for young cardiologists, in 2027. I would therefore encourage all students with an interest in cardiology to join our local activities. Just give me a short note; every feedback, every new idea will be welcome. Together we can shape the future of cardiology.”

Background: Young DGK is the section of young colleagues in the German Cardiac Society DGK. The panel is the platform for all students, physicians in advanced training and researchers with an interest in cardiology. Apart from structures at national level, there are so called Young DGK Ambassador Locations with their own regional activities. In close contact with Bernau and Neuruppin, we organize local activities to provide students with information on the manifold aspects of cardiology and the offers and services of the society – close to practice, interdisciplinary and with true value for all with an interest in cardiology. The Young DGK website has detailed information on offers of advanced training, networks, career options and current projects.

Contact:
johanna.tennigkeit@uk-brandenburg.de

More information:
For more information on Young DGK see here, also see LinkedIn and Instagram.