“Fit for Duty” – this was the theme of the first ever training course for doctors working in out-of-hours medical services, organised by Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. The idea originated from the Bio Science and Health degree programme within the Faculty of Life Sciences. More than 40 participants accepted the invitation.
As part of the Bio Science and Health degree programme at the Faculty of Life Sciences at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, doctors deliver lectures as part of the ‘Fundamentals of Medicine’ lecture series. ‘Why not make the most of this opportunity?’, thought the students and guest speakers, and together they came up with the idea of a professional development event at the university for doctors working in hospitals and private practices.
Under the theme ‘Fit for Duty’, the more than 40 participants from the Kleve district and neighbouring regions were provided with content that goes beyond their own specialist fields but can be of particular importance to doctors on on-call duty. The presentations covered topics relevant to emergency medicine, including neurology, internal medicine, general practice, orthopaedics/trauma surgery and anaesthesia/emergency medicine. Another key focus was on the practical training of the participants. It would appear to have been a successful combination. For example, Stephanie Mogk, a junior doctor in the anaesthesia department at St Willibrord Hospital in Emmerich/Rees, remarked: “I was particularly impressed by the neurology lecture and practical session. From now on, I’ll always take a reflex hammer with me when I go on rounds in the intensive care unit.” The speakers were Senior Consultants Dr Norbert Bayer and Dr Martin Theis from St Antonius Hospital in Kleve; Senior Consultant Dr Christoph Baumsteiger from the Rheinische Klinik/Department of Neurology in Bedburg-Hau; Head of Department Professor Dr Joachim van Alst from St Willibrord Hospital in Emmerich; and Dr Michael Pelzer, a general practitioner practising in Kleve.
The fact that the event is recognised as continuing professional development by the North Rhine Medical Association is an added bonus. Furthermore, participants were able to gain an insight into the opportunities available at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. Numerous projects have already been carried out by students in hospitals across the Lower Rhine region. This continuing professional development event will certainly help to strengthen the network between the university and the medical profession in the region. Owing to high demand and the positive feedback received, a repeat event is already planned for next year.
