Dr Gilbert Massard, director of the Bachelor of Medicine at the University of Luxembourg, shared his vision of the future for medicine in Luxembourg in the interview.
“I would not have accepted this mission if there was not a glimmer of hope that this could change the situation, so we could help fill the shortage of doctors in Luxembourg,” Dr Massard told RTL Radio on Friday morning.
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Dr Massard said he was pleased that two-thirds of the 95 students passed their exams in 2021. Plans to introduce a master’s degree, however, are dependent on several factors:
“Now, before a student can embark on a Luxembourg master’s, there are rules. First of all, we have to see if this bachelor’s degree works, with the first two generations of students who will soon continue their studies abroad, and see if they have been well prepared. After an evaluation certified by an international body, if all goes well, the University of Luxembourg will first be authorised to continue the bachelor’s degree, or even to offer a master’s degree if all the conditions fixed by the government are met.”
Dr Massard said there were several interesting arguments in favour of students embarking on a medical degree in Luxembourg. The university offers smaller classes than its foreign counterparts, meaning students have closer contact with their professors during the training courses.
In addition, the simulations performed on mannequins permits students to fully immerse themselves in their studies without putting patients at risk.
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The doctor also pointed out that the university had not had any issues in finding doctors who were both motivated and willing to train young medical students.
Officials hope that many young doctors will return to practice in Luxembourg after completing their studies abroad. On this point, Dr Massard said the internships available in the Grand Duchy for junior doctors should hopefully influence students in the right direction.
