Program Overview

Introduction to the Clinical-Practical Year (KPJ) Program

The Clinical-Practical Year (KPJ) is a crucial segment of the medical studies, designed to provide students with practical experience in the clinical environment. This program enables students to apply the knowledge acquired during the first five years of study to the daily routine of a clinic, thereby acquiring additional skills such as professional action competence and the ability for postgraduate education and training.

The Clinical Environment

During the KPJ, students are integrated into the clinical team as learning members, working under the guidance of mentors in all areas of the neurosurgery clinic. The program's duration is 16 weeks, and students are assigned to different stations, including bed wards, intensive care units, special outpatient clinics, and operating rooms, based on a rotation plan. The daily allocation is determined by the clinic's operating program.

Clinical Focus Areas of the University Clinic for Neurosurgery

The clinical focus areas of the University Clinic for Neurosurgery include:

• Epilepsy Surgery / Functional Neurosurgery
• Neurosurgical Intensive Care Medicine
• Neurooncology
• Pediatric Neurosurgery
• Radiosurgery Gamma Knife
• Skull Base Surgery
• Spinal Neurosurgery
• Vascular Neurosurgery

KPJ Tertial "B" - Chirurgie Neurochirurgie

This segment of the KPJ focuses on providing students with comprehensive training in surgical and perioperative fields, with a special emphasis on neurosurgery. The program lasts for 16 weeks and includes an introductory and final interview conducted by the Tertial Coordinator. Students are actively involved in the neurosurgical team and participate in patient care under the supervision of experienced mentors.

KPJ Tertial "C" - Wahlfach Neurochirurgie

In the KPJ Tertial "C" Neurosurgery elective, students deepen their knowledge, skills, and medical attitudes in the field of neurosurgery, according to the Austrian competence level catalog. This program is designed for students who have not previously completed the "Neurochirurgie" module in the context of the compulsory KPJ Tertial B "Chirurgische und perioperative Fächer." The program's structure and content are similar to those of Tertial "B," with a strong emphasis on practical experience and patient care.

Application and Requirements

Applications for the KPJ program are considered based on the NCH guidelines. The duration of the KPJ Tertiale B and C at the University Clinic for Neurosurgery is always 16 weeks, and combinations with other clinics that involve halving the time are not possible. The entry dates are predefined and follow a 16-week rhythm starting from August. International students, in principle, require an ERASMUS place to be accepted into the program as part of the incoming program.

Conclusion

The KPJ program at the University Clinic for Neurosurgery offers a unique opportunity for medical students to gain practical experience in a clinical setting, under the guidance of experienced professionals. The program is structured to provide a comprehensive education in neurosurgery, with a focus on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. By participating in the KPJ program, students can enhance their competencies and prepare themselves for a successful career in the field of neurosurgery.