In June 2023, seven OMI fellows from Albania, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, North Macedonia, and Romania were granted the opportunity to gain valuable insights into to Austrian healthcare system and learn firsthand from experienced faculty at the General Hospital of Vienna. The observers’ areas of interest ranged from neonatology, anesthesiology, urology, and radiology to neurosurgery, neurology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Dr. Elmedina Asani, a neurosurgeon from North Macedonia, shared her impression of her one-month placement at the General Hospital of Vienna, highlighting the availability of cutting-edge technology and treatment options.
“The Department of Neurosurgery is one of the largest and most advanced care providers in Austria. Leading-edge imaging equipment, state-of-the art navigation systems, and specialized endoscopic and microscopic devices, allow surgeons to conserve the elementary functions of the brain and spinal cord in an optimal way. The department covers the entire spectrum of neurosurgery, including brain, spinal, and peripheral neurosurgery. A special focus is set on stereotactic tumor surgery, vascular neurosurgery, and functional stereotactic neurosurgery. I very much appreciated the professionalism of the staff.”
Neurologist Dr. Feruza Abdullayeva from Kazakhstan, who recently attended an OM seminar in Palliative Care in Neurology and Neuro-Oncology in Salzburg, was similarly impressed by the high-level standards she encountered at the hospital.
“National quality standards and quality measurement make the Austrian healthcare system one of the best in the world. Risk management, patient safety, education, and professional development are fundamental pillars of the quality strategy. I plan to give a presentation to the administration of my hospital about my experiences in Vienna.”
Professional networking is another benefit that comes with the OMI observership program. Following her radiology observership, Dr. Hurriyat Kurbanbaeva from Uzbekistan is currently planning a visiting professorship of a colleague from Vienna.
“Every day, I gained new knowledge and had interesting discussions with the team. My plan is to implement the interdisciplinary visits back home and share my experience not only with fellow neurologists, but also with colleagues from the neurosurgery, oncology, radiotherapy, and neurology departments.”
