MEDiC mentoring program - individual support for future doctors

In the MEDiC model degree course in human medicine, students have the opportunity to take advantage of a very personal mentoring program. The program is a core element of the model course offered by Chemnitz Hospital together with the Carl Gustav Carus Faculty of Medicine at TU Dresden. According to the motto "Connect. Learn. Inspire", experienced physicians and scientists pass on their knowledge and experience to the students, the mentees, in a targeted manner and promote their personal and professional development. Students can receive support from a clinical and/or scientific mentor from the 3rd semester onwards.

The personal exchange is particularly appreciated by the students. "What I particularly like about mentoring is the direct feedback and the individual exchange of experiences," says Johanna Pils, a student in her 9th semester. Her mentor is Dr. med. Anica Kilper, Senior Physician at the Clinic for Orthopaedics, Trauma and Hand Surgery and Teaching Coordinator for Surgery. "The aim is to strengthen the mentees' individual skills and improve their chances of entry and advancement in the clinical and scientific fields. Among other things, I help the students to choose a specialty and support them in their transition to working life," explains Dr. Kilper.

The mentors act as role models and leaders. They pass on valuable knowledge about structures and processes in clinical and scientific operations and provide advice on current professional challenges. They provide mentees with practical insights into outpatient and clinical care as well as medical research and promote networking with future partners in a targeted manner. In addition, they support the development of personal skills, such as time and stress management, and offer regular feedback to reflect on possible courses of action.

Over 100 mentors are currently involved in the program. One of them is general practitioner Dr. Felix Walther, who is also active as a teaching coordinator for general practice. He emphasizes the mutual benefits: "As mentors, we also learn something from our students, who ask a lot of questions. This dialog is enriching for both sides."

The exchange between all participants is promoted through regular network meetings, where the participants inform each other and pass on knowledge during lectures and workshops. Just this week, the participants received a certificate of participation as proof and recognition of their commitment to the mentoring program. As the program is constantly growing, more committed and experienced physicians and scientists are needed.

The network meeting of the MEDiC mentoring program took place on 5 November 2025 at the Chemnitz Medical Campus. The event offered an inspiring platform for exchange, further development and networking in a targeted manner. Renowned speakers such as Prof. Dr. med. Martin Wolz, Prof. Dr. Dr. Esther Troost and Prof. Dr. Klaus Zöphel welcomed the participants and led the way to three exciting presentations that shed light on central topics of everyday medical practice: Career paths in science and medicine, work-life balance and personal experiences from the clinical and scientific worlds. The focus was on personal insights, challenges and practical recommendations for everyday medical practice:

Dr. Gabriel Stolze (doctor in further training in ophthalmology, Chemnitz Hospital) reported on his career in his presentation "Career paths in medicine - My path as a doctor in science" and emphasized the key role of curiosity, critical thinking and resilience. He emphasized the importance of mentoring, networking and a sustainable perspective: Science is not a destination, but an ongoing journey that thrives on collaborative research and constant questioning.

Dr. Anica Kilper (Senior Physician for Orthopaedics, Trauma and Hand Surgery, Chemnitz Hospital) gave a practical demonstration of how a demanding medical career can be reconciled with family life. She emphasized the importance of structured teaching, the promotion of young medical talent and family-friendly working conditions - for a modern and supportive working environment.

Dr. Hannah Sophie Muti (doctor in advanced training for visceral, thoracic and vascular surgery, University Hospital Dresden, known from the podcast "Abendvisite") gave personal insights into her path to becoming a specialist and clinician scientist with a focus on artificial intelligence. She emphasized the relevance of practical training, structured further training and efficient healthcare systems. Her appeal to young doctors: find your own path, see challenges as opportunities and actively shape change.

A musical program and the ceremonial presentation of the certificates of participation rounded off the event. With events like this, the MEDiC mentoring program sends a clear signal for individual support, sustainable networking and practical experience - essential for the successful development of young medical professionals.