MGH Institute and Germany’s Deggendorf Institute of Technology Forge Global Exchange

There are numerous opportunities for MGH Institute students and faculty to learn from healthcare professionals across the Mass General Brigham system and beyond. Now, a new partnership extends those opportunities across the Atlantic.

A newly signed Memorandum of Understanding between the MGH Institute of Health Professions and the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) in Bavaria, Germany, establishes a formal student and faculty exchange program, starting with Physician Assistant Studies and potentially expanding to other disciplines. The agreement enables health profession students from both institutions to participate in academic and clinical experiences, building mutual understanding and fostering international collaboration. 

President Waldemar Berg of DIT, joined by Dr. Silke Härteis, Chair of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy at the University of Regensburg, and Dr. Thiha Aung, Director of DIT’s PA Program, visited the MGH Institute and Mass General Hospital on Friday for a ceremonial signing with MGH Institute President Paula Milone-Nuzzo at the Slavin Academy.

“This collaboration extends our commitment to international work and allows us to build a model that enhances the education of our students,” said Milone-Nuzzo. “We want to cultivate students who embrace a global approach to healthcare. We're excited to build this structure and learn from each other in clinical training, curriculum development, and workforce preparation.”

In her remarks, Milone-Nuzzo underscored the significance of global health literacy and shared learning, aligning the exchange with the Institute’s vision of preparing clinicians to serve individuals and families from a broad array of backgrounds as well as evolving populations.

“We're going to have the opportunity to educate our students as global health care providers and understand different approaches to different health care systems,” said Milone-Nuzzo. “Appreciating the variability in the way people receive health care around the globe is so important for our students in terms of their development.”

Through Dr. Härteis’ translation, Dr. Berg also addressed attendees: “I am proud of this collaboration and look forward to a sustainable future. I warmly invite you to visit DIT and the University of Regensburg as we deepen our relationship.”

Bridging Past and Future: A Day of Innovation and History

The signing took place near the historic emergency room entrance of Massachusetts General Hospital, symbolizing the legacy of healthcare excellence. The German delegation then participated in demonstrations showcasing advanced simulation and clinical education.

In the Ether Dome, Dr. Lawrence Borges, Director of the Neurosurgical Spine Center at Mass General, demonstrated a cutting-edge 3D spinal surgery. Attendees viewed immersive videos with 3D glasses to understand how this technology helps prepare neurosurgeons.

Later at the Slavin Academy, Dr. James Gordon, Vice President of Education and Chief Learning Officer at Mass General, led an interactive simulation on airway management. Using a responsive manikin and team-based feedback, MGH Institute Physician Assistant (PA) students practiced high-stakes clinical decision-making.

The morning concluded with a panel discussion comparing the PA profession in Germany and the United States. German representatives Dr. Härteis and Dr. Aung shared perspectives on their evolving healthcare system. From the U.S., MGH Institute alumna Kate McElhiney, Jerene Bitondo (PA, Massachusetts General Hospital and MGH Institute faculty), Brittany Palaski (MGH Institute alumna and faculty), and Jenna Comeau (MGH Institute PA Program Director) described the evolution of the profession in the U.S., where PA education occurs at the master’s level, from its introduction to its current well-established state. 

“When I was in school, there was a belief that you had to prove your knowledge and earn respect,” said Palaski. “I didn’t really run into that. Now, many of us work in systems that already understand the value of PAs. I hope our students feel that too.”

Dr. Aung added: “The PA profession is still a young program in Germany. I hope through this exchange, students can see how their careers might evolve in 20 to 30 years — without repeating the same early challenges.”

Planning the Future of the Partnership

In the afternoon, the delegation toured the Dr. Charles A. and Ann Sanders IMPACT Practice Center at the MGH Institute and connected informally with second-year PA students and MGH Institute faculty. PA students from Germany joined remotely to share their perspective with the group as well. The day concluded with a strategic planning session to define the next steps for the partnership.

“We learn across borders, we learn across cultures, and we learn across disciplines,” said Dr. Reamer Bushardt, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the MGH Institute who is also a PA and a pharmacist. “Though we may practice in different systems and speak different languages, our goals are very often the same. Let us share knowledge, build friendships, and forge a sustainable partnership for years to come.”

This new alliance affirms the MGH Institute’s strategic commitment to global academic partnerships, preparing students for leadership in healthcare — locally and globally.

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