Under the structured Clinician Scientist Programme run by the Medical Faculty at Ulm University, doctors conducting patient-centred research will in future be able to have up to twelve months of research time credited towards their specialist training – instead of six, as was previously the case. The relevant Regional Medical Association has approved this change. This will not only enhance individual career prospects but also reinforce the appeal of Ulm as a university location.
Clinician scientists are doctors who, on the one hand, care for patients in clinical settings and, on the other, carry out scientific work in the laboratory. The University of Ulm’s programme of the same name has been better integrating scientific work with clinical continuing education since 2018, creating new prospects for early-career researchers without neglecting the acquisition of medical skills. It runs for 36 months and provides for a 50 per cent release from clinical duties for research. The University of Ulm has concluded an agreement with the South Württemberg Regional Medical Association (Bezirksärztekammer Südwürttemberg) which provides recognition for patient-centred research carried out as part of the programme for continuing education. The medical associations regulate the continuing education and further training of doctors and medical professionals, as well as professional supervision and quality assurance.
For doctors, the Clinician Scientist Programme means, above all, greater planning certainty and better career prospects in both clinical practice and scientific research. At the same time, it reinforces Ulm’s appeal as a location for young doctors with an interest in scientific research. “We are making it clear: excellent patient care and excellent research are not a contradiction, but go hand in hand. Anyone who commits to becoming a clinician scientist should be offered clear career prospects,” said Professor Markus Huber-Lang, Dean of Research at theMedical Faculty.
When applying for admission to the Clinician Scientist Programme, checks are carried out to ensure that the requirements of the agreement are met. In addition, the South Württemberg Medical Association and the Medical Faculty assess whether the respective research project is compatible with the requirements of specialist medical continuing education. The Medical Association is open to modern, science-based continuing education models. “We are delighted to offer the Medical Faculties in our association’s district – and thus the next generation of academics – the opportunity to establish alternative models for the creditable transfer of competencies within continuing education,” said Chamber President Dr Sophia Blankenhorn. The agreement between Ulm University and the Regional Medical Chamber is initially valid until the end of 2029 and may be extended thereafter.
Text and media contact: Daniela Stang