The academic medical community aims to counter populist rhetoric and fake news with scientific expertise. “During the COVID-19 pandemic in Dresden, we experienced firsthand how important—and at the same time challenging—it is to present scientific findings in an understandable way,” Esther Troost, dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Dresden University of Technology, told the German Press Agency. The Faculty of Medicine at TU Dresden is hosting the Regular Medical Faculty Conference on Thursday and Friday.
Civil-military cooperation in health research is necessary
Troost also commented on another topic discussed at the Medical Faculty Conference. This concerns the question of what role civil-military cooperation plays in health research. The professor attributes growing importance to this collaboration. “Compared to countries like Ukraine or Israel, however, we in Germany are still very much in the early stages. It is clear that we must adapt to new scenarios.”
Medical professionals have special tasks and responsibilities in crisis and disaster situations, Troost explained. These topics must be integrated into teaching much more strongly and, above all, in a more focused manner in the future. “This applies not only to theoretical but also to practical teaching content, such as rescuing the injured without professional equipment, providing basic and first aid to the injured even under difficult conditions, and preparing for coordination tasks.”
“Close cooperation between medical schools and the Bundeswehr is a very important approach here,” the dean clarified. Corresponding pilot projects are underway or in preparation at many locations in Germany. In addition to teaching theoretical and practical skills, communication and cooperation between the Bundeswehr and civilian medical care must be strengthened.
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