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Austrian universities offering clinical medicine courses

Austria has a reputation for excellence in medical education, with a long-standing history of providing high-quality medical training. The country's medical schools attract international students with affordable tuition fees and a high standard of education. Here is a list of Austrian universities offering clinical medicine courses:

Medical University of Vienna

The Medical University of Vienna is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical schools in the German-speaking world. Established in 1365, it gained independence from the University of Vienna in 2004 and has since risen in global rankings. The university offers a comprehensive range of programs, including medicine, dentistry, medical informatics, and molecular precision medicine. The Medicine Degree Programme is a rigorous 12-semester course that prepares future physicians with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Medical University of Graz

The Medical University of Graz, like its Viennese counterpart, also has a rich history, originally being part of the University of Vienna. It became independent in 2004 and has consistently ranked among the top medical universities globally. The university offers a variety of programs, including medicine, dentistry, medical informatics, and molecular precision medicine. The Medicine Degree Programme mirrors that of Vienna, with a focus on theoretical knowledge and practical skills development.

Paracelsus Medical Private University

Paracelsus Medical Private University (PMU), located in Salzburg, is dedicated to fostering competent and scientifically-minded physicians. It is ranked #1153 in Best Global Universities and #13 in Austria. PMU offers programs in Clinical Medicine, Neuroscience and Behavior, and Surgery. The medicine program at PMU is designed to meet modern medical demands and emphasizes patient-oriented care. The curriculum aligns with American medical schools, and successful completion of the USMLE Step 1 is mandatory.

Johannes Kepler University Linz

Johannes Kepler University Linz is a relatively young institution, established in 1966. It offers a unique campus experience with park-like grounds. The university is known for its future-oriented academic degree programs and partnerships within Austria and abroad. Notably, it was the first in Austria to offer a medical degree as part of a Bachelor's degree system. The program is structured into organ and topic-centered modules, with a total duration of 12 semesters (6 years).

University of Innsbruck

The University of Innsbruck is a public institution founded in 1669 and located in the city of Innsbruck. While specific details about their medical programs were not readily available, the university is ranked among the top global universities for clinical medicine.

Sigmund Freud University Vienna

Sigmund Freud University Vienna is a private institution established in 2005, specializing in Human Sciences. It offers a unique undergraduate program in Psychotherapy Science, along with programs in Psychology, Medicine, and Law. The medicine program includes specializations in human medicine and dentistry, with a focus on patient-oriented teaching and direct patient contact from the beginning.

These universities represent some of the top choices for studying clinical medicine in Austria, offering a range of programs, research opportunities, and cultural experiences that attract students from around the globe.

Austrian military medical services

The Austrian military medical service is responsible for the health of military service personnel and ancillary staff. The corps uses all necessary measures to ensure that healthcare services are provided for all entitled personnel, conforming to Good Medical Practice guidelines. The medical corps is responsible for medical planning, administration, material management, prophylactic strategies, patient transport, medical treatment, training of medical personnel, and research and development.

The Austrian military medical service has a Deployment Support Command Centre, which is responsible for the central administration of deployment support services for the armed forces. In peacetime, the relevant areas consist of logistic corps and facilities, the forces sports centre, and sector B and C medical facilities and services. The latter includes the Centre for Military Medicine, two further medical centres, and a field ambulance service (a medical company) with special responsibility for international medical evacuation. Ambulance detachments and medical stations can be deployed independently by smaller formations stationed in various barracks.

There is one Medical Centre Role 4 in Vienna, with 25 beds and special sections such as surgery, internal medicine, urology, dermatology, neurology, psychiatry, psychology, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, dentistry, and a laboratory. There are also two smaller Military Medical Centres in the south and west of Austria. The Medical Centre South consists of a Field Ambulance/Medical Coy in Graz and a Medical Training Coy in Klagenfurt. The Medical Centre West consists of a Field Ambulance/Medical Coy in Innsbruck and a Medical Training Coy in Salzburg. Additionally, there is a separate Military Medical Treatment Facility Role 2 (Medical Field Unit) in Hörsching, which supports strategic medical evacuations to deployed troops.

Five military pharmacists are responsible for the procurement and distribution of equipment, drugs, and consumables. They offer modern drugs for hospital use and support all medical facilities with the necessary equipment and consumables. Military pharmacies also produce special products for military medical use.

The Austrian military medical service also has a veterinary service, which is responsible for the education, administration, and procurement of animals, including dogs and horses. Veterinary officers are responsible for water and food hygiene and the procurement of specific veterinary equipment. There are 210 military dogs used for the protection of ammunition depots and the detection of explosive materials and illegal drugs. 80 horses are assigned for military logistic support missions. Disaster Relief Operations are supported by veterinary officers.

The Austrian military medical service has a two-level and a three-level system for providing medical support during deployments. In the two-level system, patients receive first aid and are stabilised for subsequent transport by an emergency medical team. The three-level system is only adopted when the transport chain or target hospital becomes overloaded, in which case a Role 2 element (field ambulance) is employed as a buffer component within the treatment chain.

Austrian medical personnel participate in national and international exercises to improve their skills and train for multinational cooperation. They contribute to international missions to support Austrian contingents and multinational forces. Medical units are currently deployed to KFOR/Kosovo and EUFOR ALTHEA/Bosnia, and Austria deploys physicians, military paramedics, medical non-commissioned officers, and special functions like Force Medical Officer, Force Hygiene Officer, and Medical Advisor to observers and staff officers in UN, NATO, and OSCE missions.

To maintain the quality of the skills of military medical personnel, they are also drafted to serve with civilian emergency services and are released for hospitation at civilian facilities for several weeks each year. Disaster Relief Operations are a primary activity of the Austrian Military Health Service, with medical teams deploying on short notice to worldwide destinations. Austrian personnel have taken part in Relief Operations after earthquakes, the Tsunami disaster, and floods in cooperation with the Austrian Forces Disaster Relief Unit. Humanitarian Missions have been supported by Field Hospitals.

Austrian emergency medical services

Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in Austria is a public pre-hospital emergency healthcare service, including an ambulance service, provided by individual Austrian municipalities, cities, and counties. It is financed by Austrian health insurance companies. The individual Austrian states are legally responsible for the provision of emergency services, but they usually delegate these responsibilities to the individual community level.

The EMS system in Austria performs two major functions: emergency services and non-emergency services. Emergency services respond to all calls concerning immediate danger to life and/or health, and non-emergency services arrange and perform the transport of non-emergency patients between hospitals.

In addition to regular emergency and non-emergency services, there are Mobile Intensive Care Units (MICU) stationed in most major cities. These units correspond to the Critical Care Transport function found in other countries. They are used when a patient with a serious and complex medical condition needs to be transferred between hospitals.

The nationwide emergency number for emergency medical services in Austria is 144. This number can be called toll-free from any phone. Alternatively, the European emergency number, 112, can also be used, but this will direct the caller to the nearest police station, which will then pass the information to the EMS provider.

The EMS system in Austria is staffed by full-time employees, volunteers, and drafted Zivildiener, who are conscientious objectors forced to serve up to nine months in medical service instead of military service.

The basic equipment of EMS vehicles in Austria includes a first aid kit, dressings and bandages, a flexible stretcher, a transport chair, a mobile medical ventilator, basic diagnostic equipment, and a portable defibrillator.

The average response time for EMS in Austria is between five and ten minutes in cities and about eight to 15 minutes in rural areas.

Aeromedical centres in Austria

Aeromedical Centre at Wiener Privatklinik

The Aeromedical Center (AMC) at Wiener Privatklinik is Austria's longest-standing comprehensive aeromedical institution. It is the only centre in the country that conducts all aeromedical examinations under one roof. The Austrian Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology has authorised the centre to perform all initial and extended examinations for Medical Class I, Class II, Class III, and Cabin Crew.

Austrian Aeromedical Centre

Austrian also has its own Aeromedical Centre, which is located at Vienna Airport. The centre offers tailor-made care plans and regular check-ups for pilots and aviation crew, focusing on both physical and mental well-being.

Austro Control GmbH

Austro Control GmbH is the competent authority for aeromedical matters according to Regulation (EU) No. 1178/2011 and Regulation (EU) 2015/340, in conjunction with the Austrian Aviation Act. The Aeromedical Section within the organisation is responsible for the recognition and oversight of Aeromedical Examiners (AMEs) and Aeromedical Centres (AeMCs). They also assess the aero-medical fitness (physical and psychological aptitude) of aviation personnel as specified by EU law.

Military Medical Centres

Austria has several Military Medical Centres, including the Military Medical Centre Vienna (MMZ), which incorporates the Medical Service School. There are two smaller Military Medical Centres in the south and west of the country. The Medical Centre South consists of a Field Ambulance/Medical Coy in Graz and a Medical Training Coy in Klagenfurt. The Medical Centre West consists of a Field Ambulance/Medical Coy in Innsbruck and a Medical Training Coy in Salzburg.

Austrian in-flight medical emergencies

Austrian Airlines: In-Flight Medical Emergencies

Overview

Austrian Airlines outlines various medical situations that may arise during a flight and provides recommendations for passengers to ensure their health and safety. The information covers general health and wellbeing, specific medical conditions, and the use of medical equipment onboard.

General Health and Wellbeing

• Low air humidity: Drinking plenty of fluids like water, tea, and fruit juices is recommended to counter low humidity.
• Earache prevention: The Valsalva manoeuvre is advised to equalise pressure during take-off and landing. Nasal decongestant sprays can also help, and chewing movements can speed up pressure equalisation.
• Jet lag prevention: Setting your watch to the destination time, following the local rhythm of life, and avoiding tiring activities for the first two days are suggested.

Specific Medical Conditions

• Pregnancy: Pregnant women without prior complications can fly up to the 36th week. However, flying is not recommended for high-risk pregnancies. Consulting a gynaecologist before the flight is advised.
• Flu or infection: Passengers with infectious diseases are not permitted to fly. Those with pressure equalisation problems due to infections should consult a doctor before flying.
• Asthma or heart failure: A medical check-up and consultation with a doctor are required, and a Medical Fit to Fly Certificate (MEDIF) must be completed.
• Sleep apnoea: Passengers with sleep apnoea need medical clearance and should carry a sleep apnoea device onboard.
• Diabetes: Diabetic passengers should create a personalised medication plan with their doctor, especially for long-haul flights. Special diet food can be requested at least 24 hours before departure.
• Pacemaker: Consulting a cardiologist is recommended, and passengers should carry their pacemaker ID.

Medical Equipment and Medication

• Oxygen: Austrian Airlines provides medical oxygen (Wenoll, WS120) for an additional fee. It is not available for children under six or in Business Class on B777 and B767 flights.
• Medical equipment: Austrian Airlines carries standard emergency medical kits, first aid kits, and onboard pharmacies. Passengers can use their own medical devices but may not operate them onboard.
• Medication: Passengers should pack medication in hand luggage, preferably in impact-resistant containers. Carrying a medical certificate for medication and syringes is advisable.

Frequently asked questions