Ukrainian women continue medical studies in Salzburg
The students can continue their studies, which are repeatedly interrupted by the war, in Salzburg free of charge. Face-to-face classes cannot currently take place at Ukrainian universities. The prospective physicians can study in Salzburg for at least two semesters.
Medical training at various stations
The students are divided into several departments at the university hospital. Currently in cardiology, pulmonary medicine and the Christian Doppler Clinic. In order for the Ukrainian students to be able to complete their internships in Salzburg, numerous official requirements must be met. Mariia Soliak, a medical student from Kyiv, appreciates that: “I thank all the people who help us because I know it’s a bit difficult that we’re here”. They are supported by doctors, students and professors from the private Salzburg Medical University.
Depending on their interests and their level of study, they should work in different departments, says cardiologist Lukas Motloch, who is coordinating the stay abroad. “The aim is for the women to be on the move like in a formula and to fulfill tasks and enjoy the same training just like our students from the PMU or from German-speaking countries who work here in the SALK,” adds the cardiologist.
Medicine and German courses
The medical students receive homework online from their home university in the Czech Republic, and in Salzburg they take part in courses in person. “We attend classes in the PMU, do online lessons from our Ukrainian university and we attend German courses to learn German,” says Viktoriia Melnyk from Kyiv.
Studies between guilt and gratitude
The practice at the clinic is a welcome change for the students, because the news from home is stressful, Galina Galina Ostapenku from the bombed city of Kharkiv: “Every day is different, one day you feel fine, you think of your possibilities of a good future, and then you understand that not everything will be fine. Then I feel something like , because I can be here but not with my family.”
Activities outside of your studies, such as city tours, should create a normal everyday feeling as far as possible. “We had a picnic with the PMU students, where we were able to spend a good time together and get to know each other, we talked a lot about the studies,” said Yulia Davydenko from Kyiv.
Future job in Salzburg?
Some of the students complete their medical studies in the summer. Working as a doctor in the Salzburg hospitals is not out of the question, says Michael Lichtenauer, who works as a cardiologist at the university hospital: “You have already inquired about the working conditions and permits in Austria. We would try to support that.” The female students who are still in the middle of their studies have also asked how things will continue, says Michael Lichtenauer.
First and foremost, however, the main goal is that the young women are guaranteed a good medical education through the program, according to those responsible.