Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane (MHB)

The MHB is a young private university under municipal auspices founded in 2014. Its focus is on training doctors, psychotherapists, and other health professions. By offering innovative teaching concepts and closely integrating theory, practice, and research, it fulfills a specific mission: addressing the needs of the healthcare system – such as demographic change or skills shortages – with new educational approaches. The MHB cooperates with three university hospitals, over 20 teaching hospitals, and more than 100 teaching practices in the state of Brandenburg to impart scientifically sound and practice-oriented knowledge.

At the MHB, you can enroll in several state-approved degree programs – from a basic bachelor's degree to state examinations and postgraduate master's:

Human Medicine (State Examination): The Brandenburg model medical degree program (BMM) leads to an approvable state examination in six years. The MHB dispenses with the traditional separation between preclinical and clinical phases as well as the Physikum. Instead, students learn practice-oriented and interdisciplinary from the outset, work in small groups on real cases, and undertake practical days in clinics and practices from the first semester. The thematic focuses are medical care in rural areas and healthcare research in an aging society.

Dental Medicine (State Examination): Since 2024, the MHB offers the first dental medicine degree program in Brandenburg. The eleven-semester model degree program combines modular theory units with early practical experience: students work in dental outpatient clinics and laboratories right from the start. In later semesters, they treat their own patients under supervision at the university dental clinic, covering routine and complex cases.

Psychology (B.Sc.): The six-semester bachelor's degree program is compliant with the psychotherapy training requirements and forms the basis for subsequent psychotherapy training. The main emphasis is on the classic foundational subjects, as well as diagnostics and clinical psychology. Instead of grade point averages, a two-stage selection process determines admissions. Compulsory internships and small study groups ensure high practical relevance. Since 2024, the MHB also offers a hybrid variant enabling location- and time-flexible studying.

Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy (M.Sc.): This four-semester master's deepens psychotherapeutic training and specifically prepares for licensure. In addition to solid theory, students acquire comprehensive practical skills through practical modules. Admissions are made without grade point averages through a personal selection interview. The program facilitates direct entry into specialized psychotherapeutic further training.

Healthcare Research (M.Sc.): The five-semester interdisciplinary master's program is designed for healthcare professionals who want to advance healthcare systems, focusing on public health, digitalization, and demographic change. The program is part-time, mostly organized online, and tuition-free (only semester fees). It is organized at the Center for Healthcare Research in Rüdersdorf and is part of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Addiction Assistance (M.Sc., part-time): In five semesters, this master's program qualifies students for leadership and therapeutic roles in addiction assistance. Teaching takes place in block seminars in Berlin, complemented by online formats. The curriculum covers addiction therapy skills, prevention, early detection, and management knowledge. The degree allows for a doctorate and enables independent work in medical rehabilitation. Tuition fees for the program amount to €15,000.

In addition, MHB offers compact part-time continuing education programs in the format of "Certificate of Advanced Studies" (CAS). These are aimed at professionals, last only a few months, and include courses such as the unique nationwide "Medical Rehabilitation Management" CAS course, which qualifies individuals for coordinating roles in rehabilitation.

Everyday student life at MHB is characterized by personal support, a strong practical focus, and clear semester structures. Already in the application process, individual suitability is paramount: Instead of a fixed number of spots (NC), interested students go through a multi-stage selection process involving a written application and a personal interview. Motivation, practical experience (e.g., internships, voluntary services), and social skills are crucial, not just the high school grade.

The academic year is divided into winter and summer semesters. In many degree programs – such as Human Medicine or Psychotherapy – it is possible to start your studies in both semesters, offering flexible entry opportunities. New students are welcomed during festive enrollment events, for example, at the St. Pauli Monastery in Brandenburg an der Havel or at the Neuruppin Culture Church.

Most full-time degree programs follow a classic semester structure with lectures, practical phases for internships or exams, and tightly scheduled modules. In the Human Medicine model program, you spend the first four semesters in Neuruppin focusing on basic subjects, followed by clinical semesters in Brandenburg an der Havel. From the eighth semester onwards, you move on to teaching hospitals in the region. Theory and practice are integrated right from the start: Practical days and internships start as early as the first semester. The study program also includes activities like the TRIK Seminar (Teamwork, Reflection, Interaction, Communication). Small study groups – about eight students per tutor – enable intensive support.

At MHB, great emphasis is placed on personal guidance: Mentors and the so-called Buddy System support new students, especially in the first semesters, with the transition to university life. The student service offers counseling services ranging from academic support to psychosocial care. Small cohorts and centrally organized schedules create a well-structured learning environment without organizational overlaps.

Students are actively involved in developing the university – through student councils, student workgroups, or evaluations. Many opportunities for involvement arise due to MHB's ongoing development. The study program combines clear structures with room for participation, theoretical learning with practical application – fostering a responsible professional life from day one.

MHB does not have a central campus but rather operates with four study sites in Brandenburg, creating a regional network. The main locations Neuruppin and Brandenburg an der Havel are complemented by facilities in Bernau near Berlin and Rüdersdorf. Each location offers specific focuses and contributes to the practice-oriented education.

Neuruppin: The main campus of MHB is located on the premises of the Ruppin-Brandenburg University Hospital. The executive office, administration, the dean's office, and central facilities for study and teaching are found here. A sizable portion of the medical studies instruction (preclinical semesters) and the psychology bachelor's program take place here. Facilities include modern seminar rooms, labs, a learning and communication center with a library, and a skills lab for clinical training. Several medical and natural science institutes support research and teaching. Neuruppin itself offers a high standard of living with a lake, recreational opportunities, and a cozy student life. Accommodation is relatively affordable, and if needed, the university will assist in finding suitable housing. Berlin is reachable in about an hour.

Brandenburg an der Havel: In Brandenburg an der Havel, you'll find the Brandenburg Municipal Hospital (UKB) and a modern teaching campus at Nicolaiplatz. Higher semesters in medicine and the dental medicine program are taught here. The Brandenburg Learning and Interdisciplinary Training Center (BLiTZ) offers simulations for emergency and examination scenarios. Students benefit from the direct link between education and clinical practice. The city offers urban flair, diverse leisure activities, and good connections to Potsdam and Berlin. Housing options such as dormitories and affordable housing are available.

Bernau near Berlin: The Immanuel Hospital Bernau - Brandenburg Heart Center focuses on heart and vascular medicine and is part of MHB's network of teaching hospitals. Students complete internships or portions of their practical year here, primarily focusing on cardiology or heart surgery. Bernau is located on the outskirts of Berlin, is easily accessible, and provides some students the option of housing directly at the hospital.

Rüdersdorf: In Rüdersdorf, MHB operates a university hospital with a wide range of medical services in collaboration with the Immanuel Diakonie. Areas of particular relevance include psychiatry, psychosomatics, and healthcare research. The Institute for Health Care and Health System Research as well as the Institute for Clinical Pharmacology are located here. Parts of the Master's program in Healthcare Research are conducted on-site. Medical students also use this location for practical assignments. Accommodations are available on the hospital campus.

Modern libraries, skills labs, practice rooms, and self-learning opportunities are available at all locations. Many facilities are accessible in the evenings and on weekends. There is no classic student services yet, but the university organizes its own services such as dining facilities and housing assistance. The digital infrastructure allows remote access to specialist literature and learning resources.

Student life is active and diverse, with an orchestra, work groups, student associations, and events like summer festivals, themed activities, or university parties. Students also engage regularly in social and community projects.

MHB emphasizes a modern and balanced examination culture that incorporates theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and scientific work equally. Besides traditional formats, the university is increasingly introducing innovative assessment practices that prioritize competency and fairness.

Written examinations: Many modules end with exams – either multiple-choice tests or essays. Additionally, open-book exams are used to evaluate the understanding of complex concepts. This format promotes analytical thinking and is still widely used.

Assignments and projects: Especially in master's programs and research-intensive modules, students write papers, reports, or presentations. The thesis (bachelor's or master's) is a central component. In the Master's in Healthcare Research, ongoing project work replaces the traditional thesis defense.

Practical exams (OSCE): To assess clinical skills, MHB conducts structured exams with simulated patients. Students demonstrate typical examination situations under observation at multiple stations. Results are digitally documented. This format is used, among others, in Medicine, Dentistry, and Psychology.

Oral exams: Selected subjects like Ethics or Pharmacy hold traditional oral exams or colloquiums. Project presentations are also part of these assessments. In Medicine, the university specifically prepares students for the state examination's oral-practical part.

Special formats: Active participation is evaluated in modules like the TRIK Seminars. Portfolio assessments enable the documentation of individual learning progress. Practical evaluations and supervision meetings – such as during internships or psychotherapy training – provide valuable feedback.

MHB sees examinations as part of the learning process. The variety of assessment formats allows for fair and differentiated evaluations. Digital tools – for exam administration, assessment, and result management – support this process. Students benefit from transparent grading, individual support, and an exam structure that not only tests knowledge but also ensures its applicability.

An essential advantage of MHB is its intensive support and high-quality teaching staff. With around 700 students and approximately 40 professors, a personal learning atmosphere is fostered. Students appreciate the direct contact: lecturers are approachable, available – even outside of lectures – and actively promote exchange on an equal footing.

MHB's Instructors come from various disciplines, with many also active in clinics, research, or psychotherapeutic practice. This direct connection brings in current case studies and experiences into the teaching. Students benefit from lecturers who provide real-life examples. The team is complemented by researchers in areas such as Immunology, Neurobiology, or Healthcare Research. Integrated teaching formats like Interdisciplinary Seminars (IDS) involve clinically active and theoretically grounded lecturers collaborating – on topics such as Diabetes from both medical and scientific perspectives. This enables students to learn interconnectedly and practice-oriented.

The group sizes are deliberately kept small – in practical courses often eight to twelve students, and around 20-25 in seminars. This allows for individual feedback and personal development. A mentoring program supports students, especially in their initial semesters, helping with study organization, career planning, and personal queries. Mentors are fixed points of contact – often faculty members or clinically active instructors.

Lecturers maintain an open-door culture. Many offer regular office hours, share direct contact information, and respond promptly to inquiries. They are also easily reachable online – via email, through the learning platform, or in online office hours. During the COVID-19 pandemic, MHB demonstrated particular flexibility: lecturers promptly provided digital materials and maintained close contact with their students. This commitment has become a staple of the teaching culture.

Despite its youth, MHB boasts of highly accomplished individuals: President Prof. Dr. Hans-Uwe Simon is an internationally renowned Immunologist. Prof. Dr. Johannes Lindenmeyer, a prominent expert in addiction research, leads the Addiction Assistance Master’s program. Other outstanding figures come from clinical practice – like Prof. Dr. Christian Butter (Cardiology), Prof. Dr. Dieter Nürnberg (Radiology), or Prof. Dr. Katarzyna Hryniewicz (Psychiatry). Additionally, the Faculty of Health Sciences – a collaboration with other universities – adds expertise in Public Health, Epidemiology, and Healthcare Research. This interdisciplinary approach ensures a diverse and modern education.

The lecturers show a high level of commitment to individual academic success. In the case of academic or personal challenges, they provide guidance – through extra practice sessions, one-on-one discussions, or arranging study groups. The close interaction strengthens unity and fosters an environment conducive to learning. Many students remain connected even after studies – through the Alumni network.

MHB naturally integrates digital technologies into teaching, organization, and examinations. Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the university consistently relied on digital formats – an advantage that is now being further developed purposefully.

The central tool is the university's e-learning platform, through which all materials, recordings, and organizational processes are digitally available. Students have remote access to lecture notes, case studies, and specialist literature. A stable IT infrastructure and digital library resources facilitate seamless studying.

MHB combines face-to-face lectures with online offerings. Many events take place concurrently in lecture halls and via livestream. Preparatory video tutorials, simulations, and online seminars complement practical formats such as lab exercises or clinical exams. Particularly in the hybrid Psychology Bachelor's program, the potential is evident: synchronous webinars, recorded lectures, and short on-campus sessions facilitate time- and location-independent learning.

Practical skills are also enhanced digitally. Interactive patient scenarios, ECG and ultrasound simulators, CAD/CAM applications in dentistry, or AI-based image analyses in radiology impart