30 years BMEP

Ambulante Handrehabilitation
30 Years of BMEP
A Celebration of Learning, Sharing, and Leading.
Medizinhistorisches Museum Charité, Ruine
December 10, 2010
Welcome and Introductions
Prof. Hilmar Stolte, M.D., President IALS
Since BMEP was founded in 1979 by Prof. John Boylan,
M.D., and Prof. Stolte., M.D., over 1,600 German and
American students, post-graduates, faculty members,
and scientific assistants have been placed at universities
and scientific institutes on both sides of the Atlantic. In
addition to this transatlantic bridge, IALS/BMEP has developed initiatives in St. Petersburg, Russia; Guangzhou,
China; and Istanbul, Turkey.
IALS/BMEP has facilitated this training of a core group
of almost 700 participants using the “Central European
patho-mechanistic approach,” adopted via the English
“learning by doing” approach, to include the new developments from Molecular Biology to the Life Sciences.
Life Sciences builds a bridge between sciences and the humanities. New medical options,
innovations in food technology, and the diverse applications of bio- and gene technology
will profoundly change our personal lives more and more. These changes demand a new
kind of education for those who will lead medicine in the 21st century.
Today, nearly half of BMEP alumni are in such leadership positions in medicine, academics,
business, and governmental / non-governmental organizations. Our mission is to continue to foster new generations of outstanding doctors and researchers on the leading
edge of transdisciplinary biomedical developments.
As a result “BMEP alumni” organized as international membership organization IALS
achieves its mission through:
s Education and Training Programs - with special focus on Advanced Students
and Young Scientists
s International Network of Experts - with special focus on Critical Issues in
the Life Sciences
Welcome Round
Chair:
Prof. Karsten Dreinhöfer, M.D.,
Chairman, IALS-Development Committee
Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Speakers:
Prof. Annette Grüters-Kieslich, M.D., Dean, Charité
Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Prof. Grüters gave an overview of the venue’s history
and explained the Charité international programs.
For her, international exchange programs are crucial:
“All students should spend part of their time
abroad.”
Prof. Hermann Haller, M.D., Dean of Education,
Medizinische Hochschule Hannover
Prof. Haller spoke about the difference between
lifeless and vital structures, and the necessity of
providing scope for creative thought. BMEP is an
example of a structure full of vitality and creativity.
Prof. Winston Langley, Ph.D.,
Provost University of Massachusetts
Prof. Langley presented his vision of a holistic
university which uses the educational framework to
focus not only on specialist knowledge and personal
development, but also on relevant social and
spiritual issues.
Ulrich Grothus, Vice Secretary General,
Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst, Bonn
Vice Secretary General Grothus certified BMEP as
achieving a high standard within the DAAD internal
quality control system. He expressed his wish that
BMEP would continue to be a success for many
years to come.
Prof. John Forrest, M.D., Yale University,
School of Medicine and Director em. M.D.I.B.L.
Prof. Forrest recounted the beginnings of BMEP on
Mount Desert Island. He spoke about the high level
of commitment and high quality of the “fellows”,
committing himself once more to increasing
promotion of mentoring as an important element of
university education.
Panel session
“Careers - From Medicine to Biomedical and Life Sciences”
“Why are you here?”
Chair: Prof. Claudia Barth, M.D., Member of the Board, KFH Neu Isenburg
BMEP Alumni:
Prof. Heide Siggelkow, M.D.,
Gastroentology and Endocrinology, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen
Justin Byrne, M.D.,
Tufts University, School of Medicine
Prof. Michael Platten, M.D.,
Helmholtz Neuroimmunology Unit Ruprecht-Karls-Universität, Heidelberg
Prof. Mario Schiffer, M.D., Chief,
Heisenberg Research Group, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover
Claudia Friedrich,
Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin
1. Background
Careers in medicine are influenced in different ways. They develop as clinical careers,
research careers, a combination of both, or as administrative/management careers
which are medicine-related. In addition, medical training can lead to a training in life
sciences by being exposed to a variety of other specialties, e.g. informatics, biotech-
nology, engineering, sociology, epidemiology etc.
The participants in the round table discussions were all participants of the BMEP
program between 1985 and 2008.
Two of the participants (Michael Platten, Mario Schiffer) have classic academic
careers, one (Heike Siggelkow) chose the academic path and now combines clinical
practice with expertise in clinical research. Justin Byrne has drawn on his experience
in his position as a clerkship director of Tufts University, providing different vocational training aspects for Tufts students.
2. Statements
Prof. Siggelkow: Participation in the BMEP program was the motivation to start
researching and it completely reshaped her career plans. “BMEP changed my life
totally.”
Dr. Justin Byrne recounted his experiences at the Charité in 1993, shortly after the
Wall came down. Through the BMEP program he became acquainted with innovative
and alternative concepts for patient care. At that time academics talked better in
Russian and less well in English.
Prof. Platten spoke about his first ever chance to be a project manager, within the
framework of his stay in the USA. This was a crucial experience for him. It was also
important to receive an intensive introduction to neuroimmunology (good supervision and research guidance). He underlined the significance of his mentors for his
own career and committed himself to promoting a broad medical education, in
which research is equally accounted for.
Prof. Schiffer underlined the particular approach of BMEP, which is apparent from
the very first interview of the selection process. The person, his or her potential and
his or her interest in research are paramount from the outset. For him, BMEP is “very
influenced and encouraged by H. Stolte” and he went on to say: “BMEP put me on
the right route”. He said it was very important to have enough time outside the
curriculum for one’s own research activities.
Claudia Friedrich was sent by BMEP to a laboratory in the USA where she could
pursue her interest in stem cell research. It was “also important to gain experience in
public health and management”. For her, the special thing about BMEP is that it is a
“pathway to unexpected opportunities”.
3. Cutting Edge:
- What are the implications of exposure to basic science/research during medical
school?
- When is the right time to be exposed to research?
- Is research exposure beneficial, no matter what career path is taken after medical
school?
- Does mentoring influence career patterns?
- Are there add-ons like degrees as an MBA, MPH, MME to provide further career
opportunities?
4. Discussion: Statements, theses, positive or negative experiences
All participants agreed univocally that the research elective in the USA or Germany
influenced their careers tremendously. It taught them how to handle and interpret
publications and laid the foundations for choosing an academic path and heading
their own research groups. One participant clearly stated that before being exposed
to research, it would never have crossed her mind to pursue an academic career.
Exposure to research should preferably take place after the first two years, at the
earliest when entering the clinical division of medical school. However, the German
cancer institute DKFZ in Heidelberg offers early exposure to the life sciences for high
school students between the 8th and 12th grade. The students can participate in
research activities in labs, as well as in lectures featuring life science topics (science,
engineering, sociology etc.), and they can be proactive in forming workgroups for
life science topics. Prof. Platten has participated in this program as a mentor and
values the experience and enthusiasm of these students very highly.
This led on to the very important role of a mentor during any period of training.
During their own periods of training, all the BMEP participants met personalities who
greatly influenced them, either by teaching them research or clinical skills, or by
broadening their horizons and giving them new opportunities. Fruitful discussions,
coaching and questioning all helped the individuals to define those areas of the life
sciences “where the heart beats”. These are the ones most likely to produce the best
skills. Members of the audience, in particular John Forrest and Hilmar Stolte, strongly
advocated mentorship. Having received mentorship and known its influence and
effect first hand, the task for the future is to pass this gift on to the next generation
of students.
s )T IS IMPORTANT TO INTRODUCE STUDENTS TO INNOVATIVE RESEARCH ISSUES AS EARLY AS
possible.
s 3TUDENTS NEED A CLEAR IDEA OF RESEARCH AND BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE
(facilitated and promoted by BMEP).
s 3TUDENTS MUST BE MADE AWARE OF hWHY THEY SHOULD SACRIlCE A WHOLE YEAR BY
joining BMEP”.
s /NE DISCUSSION POINT WAS WHETHER IN THE LIGHT OF THE CURRENT CURRICULUM
students can afford to spend a whole year researching abroad.
s 3TOLTE h7HY ARE STUDENTS IN SUCH A HURRY TO lNISH n 7E NEED EXTRACURRICULAR
time.”
5. “Solution Space”: Ideas, perspectives etc.
Former BMEP participants should therefore definitely assume the role of mentors
within the network. The database should contain a short and regularly updated CV
of each participant, including his or her current position. The variety of career paths
chosen by the participants means that for each burning career question a mentor
can be found.
Since medical school follows a tight time schedule, students will need free time in
order to experience different areas. In addition, engaging interactions between
students and professors need to be improved in order to develop mentor/mentee
relationships. Questionnaires addressing these issues in literature reviews always
emphasize the pivotal role of mentorship, as also stated by BMEP participants.
In the last 10 years, the opportunities in add-on training mentioned above have
broadened, mostly implemented by private universities but now also followed by
public universities. Mostly, these add-on values prepare or support a career in
administrative/management positions in the health care sector. These influences
need further evaluation.
s h.ETWORKING IS VERY IMPORTANTv AND HERE "-%0 PROVIDES OUTSTANDING
opportunities which should be used more frequently and more actively.
s h4HE "-%0 NETWORK HAS PEOPLE IN ALL POSITIONS AND MEDICAL AREASv MEANING
that those returning from the program have the chance of a good start within
the research institutions of their home country.
s h-ENTORSHIP IS A DUTY FOR EVERY PROFESSORv
s -ENTORSHIP NEEDS TO BECOME A MORE INTEGRAL PART OF TEACHING AS FORESEEN
extra time and not just on the fringes.
s 2ESEARCH REQUIRES THE SPACE TO BE ABLE TO THINK CREATIVELY
Panel session
Bologna: Strengthening the relationship of medicine within life sciences.
Experts:
Prof. Barbara Bröker, M.D., Ernst Moritz Universität, Greifswald
Prof. Siegfired Geyer, Ph.D., Medizinische Hochschule Hannover
Dr. Bernhard Marschall, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster
Prof. Hans-Rudolf Raab, M.D., Klinikum Oldenburg
PD Natascha Wolff, Universität Witten Herdecke
Jakob Hein, M.D., Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin
Chair: Prof. Andreas H. Guse, Dr. rer. nat., Dean,
Universität Hamburg
1. Background (short summary):
The experts presented various models of how the new (Bachelors, Masters) qualifications could become compatible with the study of medicine.
Links to most of these presentations can be found in the appendix.
The basic question for discussion was how to link research and medicine, and how
the process of European conformity can reasonably be achieved. Which qualifications will the “2018” generation need, and would a German “go-it-alone” approach
even be feasible?
2. “Cutting Edge”: Questions to be answered, positive or negative effects
Prof. Andreas H. Guse, Dean, Universität Hamburg
s 0ARTICULARISM IN 'ERMANY MUTUAL RECOGNITION OF CREDIT POINTS
s &OREIGN RECOGNITION OF THE 0HYSIKUM PRELIMINARY MEDICAL EXAMINATION IS
currently very difficult.
s 4HE "ACHELORS FUNCTIONING AS A BRIDGE IN THE lELD OF MEDICINEBIOMEDICINE
could create mobility since it is an internationally recognised qualification.
Medical training is good and should be improved as a result of Bologna, not
downgraded. Here we can learn from other disciplines.
s ! NEW SYSTEM "OLOGNA CAN ONLY BE INTRODUCED SUCCESSFULLY IF THE FACULTIES
are included in the process and permitted to take an active part in shaping it.
“Faculty Development” is an important factor for success.
s )N THE DISCUSSION A DISTINCTION HAS TO BE MADE BETWEEN STRUCTURE AND CONTENT
and both should be referred to in relation to one another.
s )NTEGRATED -$0H$ PROGRAMS AS AN IMPORTANT QUALIlCATION FOR NEW ACADEMIC
blood.
3. Discussion: Statements, theses, positive or negative experiences (models)
There was lively participation in this discussion from the auditorium.
s 4HE PROS AND CONS OF WHETHER "ACHELORS-ASTERS DEGREES REALLY PROMOTE
mobility were discussed, including examples.
s &LEXIBILITY IN TERTIARY EDUCATION MUST NOT BECOME DETRIMENTAL TO SPECIALIST
training. There should be a clear point at which students decide to specialize.
s 7HAT EXACTLY IS A "ACHELORS IN "IOMEDICINE (OW CAN THIS TITLE BE lLLED WITH
valuable content?
s -ETHODS OF ACCESSING KNOWLEDGE NEED TO BE TAUGHT RATHER THAN SIMPLY
stuffing heads with more and more knowledge.
s )S THERE ANY ROOM AT ALL WITHIN A hSCHOOLLIKEv MEDICAL DEGREE WITH A TIGHT TIME
frame for extended periods abroad?
s !RE STUDENTS SUPERVISED SUFlCIENTLY AND APPROPRIATELY -ENTORING WAS
described as a necessity. Teaching staff need not only adequate time for this,
but also certain skills.
4. “Solution space”: Ideas, perspectives
s !TTACHING INCREASED IMPORTANCE TO TEACHING WITH TEACHING SKILLS BEING TAUGHT
to university lecturers as a matter of course.
s )MPARTING OF METAKNOWLEDGE EG ACCESSING TECHNIQUES
s $ElNING %(%! %UROPEAN (IGH %DUCATION !REA AS THE TARGET AREA
s !CHIEVING TRANSPARENCY FOR QUALIlCATIONS WHAT DOES EACH QUALIlCATION MEAN
what do people with this qualification know, what can they do?).
s -AKING LIFE AND HEALTH SCIENCES MORE mEXIBLE AND BETTER LINKED IN ORDER TO
improve education and promote exchange in the teaching process.
s %STABLISHING MENTORING AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE EDUCATION PROCESS
s 0ROVIDING SENSIBLE CHOICES CHOICE ITSELF IS NOT A QUALITY CRITERIUM
s !CHIEVING A BROADER MEDICAL EDUCATION
Friends of BMEP and IALS
Financial Support since 1985
The International Academy of Life Sciences (IALS) and its subsidiary, the Biomedical
Sciences Exchange Program (BMEP), wish to express sincere gratitude to the
individuals and organizations listed below who contributed to the FRIENDS OF IALS
since the 1985 appeal for financial support.
Benefactors up to 5000 Euro
s $R -ICHAELA "ANCK 0ROF !NDREAS "EUTLER -AYO #LINIC 2OCHESTER
s 0ROF $R #LAUDIA "ARTH +ÚLN
s $R $ENNIS $EY -)2 .EUROLOGY 3PINE #ENTER #UMBERLAND -ARYLAND
s "RITA $OLE "AD /EYNHAUSEN
s 0ROF $R +ARSTEN $REINHÚFER "ERLIN
s $R (EINRICH (AGEHàLSMANN 5TE (AGEHàLSMANN -3C 2ASTEDE
s 3ABINE (ERMAN $-$ ,ÚHNE
s 0ROF $R 2OLAND (ETZER "ERLIN
s 0$ $R *AN +IELSTEIN (ANNOVER
s 5LRIKE 6ÚTH.ABER 0$ +LAUS .ABER -URNAU
s $R (OLGER +RANICH 'ILA 2IVER (EALTH #ARE #ORPORATION 0HOENIX !:
s $RS -ARION 3CHAEFFER *àRGEN 3CHAEFFER (ANNOVER
Patrons up to 1000 Euro
s $R $R %LMAR "URCHHARDT #AMBRIDGE -ASSACHUSETTS
s $R 7ILLIAM $EAL $EAN EM "IRMINGHAM !LABAMA
s 0ROF $R 4ORSTEN $OENST ,EIPZIG
s 0ROF $R (ARALD *àPPNER (ARVARD -EDICAL 3CHOOL "OSTON -ASS
s $R &RANK$IETMAR ,OITZ "RAUNSCHWEIG
s $R #HRISTIAN 3CHËFFER 3TUTTGART
s 0ROF $R (ANS*OACHIM 3CHUREK ,INGEN%MS
Sponsors up to 500 Euro
s $R "EREND4àGE "ERENDSEN -ÚNKEBERG
s (EIKO &LàGEL - 3C "AD 3ODEN
s $R *AN (ILPERT "ERLIN
s 0ROF $R +7 +UEHN +ARLSRUHE
s 0ROF $R +LAUS(INRICH .EUMANN -AGDEBURG
s $R +ARIN -AASS0OPPENHUSEN !ACHEN
s $R 7 3COTT ,ONG #ONNECTICUT (OSPICE .EW (AVEN #ONNECTICUT
Sustainers up to 250 Euro
s $R !NNE $ÚRTE !CHTERT "AD 3AROW
s $R 3TEFAN "LAAS 2EGENSBURG
s $R *UDITH "RANDSTËTTER -àNCHEN
s 0ROF 'IULIANO #IARIMBOLI -àNSTER
s 0ROF $R 4HOMAS $ELLER &RANKFURT
s $R %VA (ANDKE (AMBURG
s $R )RMTRUD *ËCKLE-EYER 'ÚTTINGEN
s $R 6OLKMAR ,UFFT 2ENDSBURG
s $R 2àDIGER , 0ROSST &ELLBACH
s 0ROF $R *ÚRG 2ADEMACHER -INDEN
s $R "ENJAMIN 3CHËFER "ANGOR -AINE
Donors up to 100 Euro
s $R *AN "OUBLICK .EW 9ORK
s 0ROF $R *àRGEN $R "ARBARA &LOEGE !ACHEN
s $R +ARL &RYBURG 4UCSON
s $R $IRK (ENTSCHEL "OSTON -ASSACHUSETTS
s $R !NNE (OFER 4àBINGEN
s $R 2OBERT -ASSEY $EAN EM 5NIV OF #ONNECTICUT &ARMINGTON
s *OHANNES 2ICHTER 'ÚTTINGEN
s $R &ELIX 7EDEGËRTNER (ANNOVER
Corporate Sponsors & Foundations up to 25,000 Euro
s "AYER #ROP 3CIENCES -ONHEIM
s "OYLAN &OUNDATION 2HINEBECK .EW 9ORK
s " "RAUN -ELSUNGEN !' -ELSUNGEN
s 'ENZYME #ORPORATION &RAMINGHAM -ASSACHUSETTS
s 3+ARGER 0UBLISHERS "ASEL
s 0ROVENA #OVENANT -EDICAL #ENTER 5RBANA )LLINOIS
s "OEHRINGER )NGELHEIM )NC 2IDGElELD #ONNECTICUT
s 0REUSSAG !' (ANNOVER
s #ARL $UISBURG &OUNDATION (ANNOVER
Supporters and Sponsors
IALS Life Sciences University Network
Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover
Deutsches Herzzentrum Berlin, Berlin
Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin
HDZ-NRW-Ruhr-Univ. Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen
University of Illinois (IGPA), Urbana-Champaign
University of Massachusetts, Boston
Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst
German Academic Exchange Service
Gesellschaft der Freunde der
Medizinischen Hochschule Hannover e. V.
Die Ernst-Reuter-Gesellschaft
Ernst-Reuter-Gesellschaft der Freunde, Förderer und Ehemaligen
der Freien Universität Berlin e. V.
Editor:
Thomas Bierbaum, MA, M.Sc.
Managing Director IALS
Consulting, Coaching, Training
Meiningerstr. 8
10823 Berlin
Photographs and Website:
Holger Mörling
Office IALS Bad Oeynhausen
Office Brandenburg-Berlin
Am Neuen Markt 6
D-14467 Potsdam
T +49 - (0)331 - 81 70 701
F +49 - (0)331 - 81 70 702
E [email protected]
Office Hannover Region
c/o Hannover Medical School
Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1
D-30625 Hannover
T +49 - (0)511 - 532 66 62
F +49 - (0)511 - 532 66 63
E [email protected]
Office Northrhine Westphalia
Kaiserstrasse 15
D-32545 Bad Oeynhausen
T +49 - (0)5731 - 239 41
F +49 - (0)5731 - 239 42
E [email protected]
Office North America
c/o BMEP Inc.
56 Hancock Street
Ellsworth, Maine 04605, USA
T +1 - (207) - 667 - 19 20
F +1 - (207) - 667 - 55 13
E [email protected]
Ambulante Handrehabilitation
Office St.-Petersburg Baltic Region
c/o Geleznovodskay H, Apt. 18
190057, St. Petersburg
Russia
T +7 - (812) - 350 - 23 26
E [email protected]