Faculty Development: Paracelsus University Salzburg
The study of medicine is tied closely to Salzburg's history, yet there was no medical university for almost two centuries. After trying in vain to establish a public medical university for 40 years, the "accreditation law" in 1999 facilitated the establishment of a framework for the foundation of a "private" medical university.
The "Paracelsus Private Medical University" received accreditation in November of 2002 through an internationally staffed accreditation committee. Subsequently, studies at the Paracelsus Private Medical University began in September of 2003. Thus, this university is Austria's first and Europe's second private medical school which offers studies in human medicine. The eponym of the university is Paracelsus (1493-1541), a pioneer of modern medicine and organic chemistry. The renowned Mayo Medical School (Minnesota, USA) serves Paracelsus University's model as well as partner university. The Mayo Medical School is part of the Mayo Clinic, the largest private non-profit clinic in the United States.
Medical training at the Paracelsus Private Medical University is carried out by integrating 50 professors and assistant professors from the Department of Natural Sciences of the Paris Lodron University in Salzburg as well as the University Clinics, Gemeinnuetzige Salzburger Landeskrankenkliniken Betriebsgesell.mbH (SALK).
The main components of the curriculum are rendered by three university-owned departments:
- Institute of Anatomy and Musculoskeletal Research
- Institute of Physiology
- Institute of Pharmacolgy
The professors and assistant professors take part in continuing education programs to ensure the attractiveness and quality of teaching. As an example, in the spring of 2005, a training course for the "Establishment of New Teaching Methods" took place. Led by Univ. Prof. Dr. Reinhard Putz, Pro-Rector of the Ludwig Maximillian University of Munich, subject matters such as POL (problem-oriented-learning), lecture didactics, microteaching and OSCE (objected structuredclinical examination) were discussed. The collaboration with the LMU was extremely beneficial and positive, and much of the accumulated know-how is already being integrated into the teaching process.
Courses offered
The Paracelsus Private Medical University offers courses of study and graduation in human medicine. The courses offered here present a patient-oriented, practical, problem-oriented and interdisciplinary approach. The goal is to train graduates to develop into responsible and capable physicians who are well versed in overall medical science. They should acquire the ability to satisfy the requirements which evolve out of new scientific knowledge. Furthermore, graduates should also acquire the ability to fulfill ever-growing patient expectations. Due to the limited number of 42 students per class, modern teaching methods such as bedside-teaching, small group instruction, group discussion and problem-oriented learning and teaching are facilitated. A new curriculum as well as tight organization allow for a shortened duration of medical training of five years. Graduates earn the degree "Dr. med. Univ" which is accredited throughout Europe.
The Paracelsus Private Medical School offers a second course of studies: an interdisciplinary postgraduate Ph.D. in "Molecular Medicine". The goal of this Ph.D. is to train students to become medical researchers in the area of molecular medicine. Here, the emphasis is placed on the acquisition of competency for independent scientific work. Graduates of this Ph.D. program acquire extended professional qualifications for research and teaching.
Besides teaching, research plays an integral role at the Paracelsus Private Medical University. Therefore, a research office was established which helps support and organize research agendas at the University. This office acts as a platform among physicians, medical students and the Natural Sciences Department of the University of Salzburg in regard to biomedical basic research.
Detailed information: www.pmu.ac.at