Beschreibung der Famulatur englisch

Re: Medical Visitation of a Hospital (German "Famulatur")

Please allow me to introduce you to the German "Famulatur". It has no counterpart in the AngloSaxon medical system. It is not equivalent to what is known as a clerkship or an elective in your medical educational system.

According to a German national law which rules medical education (Ärztliche Approbationsordnung), three of these have to be absolved with an altogether minimum of four months.

One "Famulatur" consists of a minimal four-week visitation by a German medical student to a hospital with the purpose of acquainting her or him with the daily routine of a hospital. It is performed by each student during the clinical years of study (which are the 3rd to 5th years of a 6 year program). The specific aim of this visitation is to give the ongoing medical student insight into the daily duties of the physician in a hospital. The participation of the visiting student in this routine may consist of including her/him in medical history taking, observing physical examinations, and participating in the discussion of the case histories of the patients on a ward. Listening-in on the staff discussion of patients' x-rays, CTs and other clinical findings and the resulting patient management will help to emphasize to the students the essentials and pertinent aspects of patient care and will help in orienting their further medical studies.

Because this is not a formal university course it can be performed in any hospital with at least 30 beds. Indeed it is preferable that students become aware of the routine in hospitals outside of a university setting. Thus, your hospital can accept such an application should you be willing to take on a medical student for a short visitational period.

The student will not be expected to receive any type of remuneration for this period. She/he is expected to cover all expenses that arise in connection with travel and accommodation. It is hoped that the student may also be of some service to your facilities.