Criteria of Medical University of Vienna

Name of the WFNS Training Centre:

Medical University of Vienna

 

About the Training Center & Program Details:

The Medical University of Vienna stands as an eminent institution with a rich history, dating back almost 650 years. Renowned for its commitment to medical research and education, it has emerged as Europe's largest school of medicine, attracting nearly 8,000 students to its distinguished programs. Situated in close proximity to the Vienna General Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in Europe, the university benefits from a collaborative relationship that sees it sourcing 1,500 physicians from this renowned medical institution. The university employs over 5,900 individuals, including 3,900 researchers. The university's organizational structure is comprising 28 clinical departments and clinical institutes that play pivotal roles in both medical practice and cutting-edge research. Additionally, it houses 12 medical theoretical centers and departments. 

The global impact of the Medical University of Vienna extends far beyond its local borders, with a remarkable 60% of its publications stemming from international collaborations. This commitment to global engagement underscores the university's dedication to fostering a diverse and expansive network in the pursuit of advancing medical knowledge. 

The university is nestled in the enchanting city of Vienna, a global metropolis with two million inhabitants. Renowed for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, Vienna stands out as a city of cultural and historical significance, providing a unique backdrop to the academic environment of the university. The city offers clean water sourced directly from the Lime-stone Alps, a high level of safety, and an almost endless choice of leisure activities. Vienna is unparalleled in its livability, claiming the top spot in both the Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Livability Index, surpassing ciites like Melbourne, and Mercer's Quality of Living survey, reaffirming its status as the most livable city in the world.

Department of Neurosurgery

The Neurosurgery Department at the Medical University of Vienna conducts around 3,000 surgical procedures annually in seven specialized operating theaters. The facilities include four surgery rooms, an intraoperative MRI Suite, a Gamma Knife, and an endovascular Neurosurgery suite. There are two specialized care wards with 46 designed neurosurgeical beds and a Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit with 10 beds for postoperative monitoring. The team consists of 35 doctors, including 14 senior physicians, 7 specialists, 12 assistant physicians, and 2 ward physicians.

The Neurosurgery Department at the Medical University of Vienna features advanced Operating Rooms equipped with cutting-edge technology for precise interventions. Essential equipment includes the fully adjustable operating tables, unipolar and bipolar coagulating units, microsurgical instruments, and magnification tools such as operating microscopes, endoscopes and an exoscope. Additional tools like an ultrasonic aspirator and high-speed drill enhance capabilities. The suite is complemented by an Image Intensified, a fibre-optic laryngoscope, and a negative department employs EEG, EMG, ECoG, evoked potentials, and intra-operative neuromonitoring. Multimodality neuromonitoring, including intracranial pressure and brain tissue oxygen tension monitoring and cerebral microdialysis, is also provided.

 

Program Details:

  • A one month clinical observership to neurosurgeons that meet the World Federation Neurological Surgeon (WFNS) criteria for the international fellowship program
  • Accommodation and vouchers for daily meals at the hospital cafeteria are available
  • All travel related expenses, i.e. transportation to and from Vienna, Visa costs, passport expense, etc. though are the responsibility of the visiting fellows

 

Activities:

During the fellowship, every trainee at the neurosurgical clinic receives dedicated support from both a junior and a senior mentor. This comprehensive mentoring structure ensures a well-rounded learning experience. Trainees actively engage in various aspects of neurosurgical practice, including observing surgeries in the theater, participating in twice-daily ward rounds, and collaborating with their Consultant on management decisions.They also attend outpatient sessions and clinical meetings, gaining exposure to the diverse facets of neurosurgical care.

And added feature enhancing the educational experience is the exlusive cadaver lab established within the neurosurgical clinic. This state-of-the-art facility offers eight positions for dissection, equipped with operating microscopes and drills. This hands-on learning environment provides trainees with a unique opportunity to further refine their surgical skills and deepen their understanding of neurosurgical techniques.

 

Chairman Program Contact:

karl.roessler@meduniwien.ac.at

 

How to Apply:

The qualified applicant are invited to fill out the Online Application Form. Only the online application will be accepted.