Program Overview

Introduction to the Berner Institut für Hausarztmedizin (BIHAM)

The Berner Institut für Hausarztmedizin (BIHAM) is a renowned institution dedicated to the field of general medicine and medical education. As part of the Medizinische Fakultät at the Universität Bern, BIHAM plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of medical professionals.

Lehrärztinnen und Lehrärzte (Teaching Physicians)

Approximately 650 teaching physicians, comprising general practitioners and pediatricians, are involved in the education and training of medical students at the Universität Bern. These dedicated individuals serve as mentors and guides throughout the students' five-year study period.

Registration as a Lehrärztin/Lehrarzt

To become a teaching physician, one must register on the BIHAM web portal. This registration process is the first step towards a rewarding career in medical education.

What You Need to Know

As a teaching physician, it is essential to understand the requirements and responsibilities associated with this role.

Betreuung (Supervision)

Medical students are required to complete practical training in general medicine, which includes:

• 8 half-days per year in the first and third study years
• 19 days in the fifth or sixth study year Teaching physicians are expected to supervise and guide these students throughout their training period.

Entschädigung (Compensation)

Teaching physicians receive compensation for their efforts, including:

• Financial remuneration (CHF 300 per practical training day in the first and third study years, and CHF 4,500 in the fifth or sixth study year)
• A title (Lehrärztin/Lehrarzt, or Lehrbeauftragte/Lehrbeauftragter after two years of service)
• Continuing education credits from the SGAIM/SGP

Anforderungen (Requirements)

To become a teaching physician, one must:

• Have at least one year of experience working as a physician in a general medicine or pediatric practice
• Be actively engaged in ambulatory care and schooled in conventional medicine
• Meet the continuing education criteria
• Have experience in emergency medicine
• Enjoy teaching and have time for it (at least 1 hour per practical training day)
• Be willing to have their teaching evaluated
• Participate in an introductory course for new teaching physicians (unless they have already completed a similar course at another university)

Einführungskurs für neue Lehrärztinnen und Lehrärzte (Introductory Course for New Teaching Physicians)

This obligatory course is designed for new teaching physicians and provides an introduction to the BIHAM's teaching philosophy and methods. The course typically takes place between January and April and lasts approximately 2 hours.

Zusatzfunktionen (Additional Functions)

The BIHAM offers opportunities for teaching physicians to engage in additional activities, such as tutoring and developing new teaching formats. These roles are essential to the institution's mission and provide a chance for teaching physicians to contribute to the advancement of medical education.