Physician Assistant Studies Exchange Brings German Students to U.S.

Last spring, the MGH Institute and the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT) in Bavaria, Germany partnered to establish a formal student and faculty exchange program to prepare students for leadership in global healthcare. By the end of the year, the first of those exchanges took place when DIT physician assistant studies students Michelle Fink and Lara Edlbauer spent 11 days observing at Mass General Hospital sites.

They teamed up with students from the MGH Institute Physician Assistant Studies program to discuss patient cases, participate in morning rounds, and experience different clinical situations. 

“We were able to follow patients throughout their hospital stay and gain insight into all steps of care, from admissions to discharge,” said Fink. 

“The combination of neurosurgery and hospital medicine gave us the opportunity to gain insight into both surgical and non-surgical care, which was incredibly valuable for our learning,” added Edlbauer.

Both were excited for what they termed a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” to learn, grow and be inspired, while gaining insight into the U.S. healthcare system. 

“We were interested in observing how care is organized, how clinical workflows function, and how different healthcare professions interact on a daily basis,” said Edlbauer. “It offered a valuable perspective beyond what we were familiar with in our own system.”

The physician assistant profession in Germany is relatively new compared to the field in the U.S., allowing Fink and Edlbauer the chance to see what the profession could evolve into in the future. 

“The MGH Institute PA program represents a unique opportunity to broaden our understanding of international healthcare models, reflect critically on our own system, and take inspiration from practices that could shape the future of our profession,” explained Fink. “We saw this experience as a defining step in our professional development and one that would have a lasting impact on how we view patient care, teamwork, and healthcare systems as a whole.”

The exchange with DIT was one of three exchanges that have taken place since the partnership came to fruition; others include a fellowship with a nurse practitioner from Beijing and a research exchange with a medical student from Iceland. 

"Welcoming students from Deggendorf Institute of Technology strengthens our global partnerships and enriches the educational experience for everyone involved,” said Department of Physician Assistant Studies Interim Chair Deanna Denault. “These exchanges foster collaboration, cultural humility, and professional growth, which are essential qualities for the next generation of healthcare leaders."

Fink and Edlbauer encourage others who have the chance to come to the MGH Institute to take part in one of the programs. 

“The welcoming and supportive atmosphere at MGH further enhanced this experience and allowed us to learn in an open and positive environment, making the program both professionally and personally memorable,” said Fink. “The MGH Institute represents excellence, innovation, and leadership in healthcare education, and being connected to such a respected institution was deeply meaningful to us. The overall combination of academic, clinical, and personal experiences made our time at MGH so valuable.”

“The broad clinical exposure, the opportunity to learn from experienced supervisors, and the close exchange with the PA students contributed significantly to our learning,” said Edlbauer. “At the same time, having the opportunity to explore the campus and the city of Boston, and to experience the cultural side of our stay, created a well-balanced and enriching overall experience.”