Considered a ‘rite of passage’ and practiced as a rich tradition at medical universities around the world, 121 medical students at the Johannes Kepler University donned white coats for the first time, signaling the start of their training as a physician.

Following four successful semesters in the program which focused on the basics of medicine, the students will now embark on the clinical part of the program at the Kepler University Hospital and other teaching hospitals that work together with the JKU Faculty of Medicine.

Elgin Drda, JKU Vice-Rector for Medicine and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, pointed out: "The ritual of handing over the white coat to med students symbolizes science, medical expertise, and a professional ethos; students will shoulder a high level of professional responsibility at the start of their clinical training. Approximately 400 physicians and course instructors are passing on what they know in the medical degree program and in this way, they are encouraging our students to build on this foundation and break new ground."

180 students will now begin the fifth semester and embark on the clinical training part of the program.

The JKU Faculty of Medicine has approximately 1,000 students in the program. The program is scheduled to be at full capacity by 2028 and the JKU MED Campus will accommodate 1,800 students.

Taught as part of a Bachelor’s/Master’s system, the program focuses on the basics of medicine in accordance with organ-centered and subject-centered principles, setting new technical standards in this regard. The JKU medSPACE gives students a unique opportunity to explore human anatomy in three-dimensional images.