This summer, the first 13 students to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in medicine completed their studies at the University of Luxembourg. And, thanks to partnerships with foreign institutions, they will now continue their studies abroad.
Professor Massard explained that the ‘cohort capacity’ for studying medicine as an undergraduate in Luxembourg is currently at 33 spots, all of which are presently filled. Most of the students are Luxembourgers, with some residents and French-speaking people from the greater region.
According to Massard, a big advantage the University of Luxembourg holds over foreign institutions is the comparably small cohort. While 33 students have entered year two in the Grand Duchy, universities abroad tend to cater for up to 350 people.
This means that students in Luxembourg are in close contact with their supervisors. In fact, the Uni.lu programme boasts a ratio closer to three instructors per student compared to ten or 15 students per instructor abroad, stressed Massard.
Students therefore have better access to practical equipment and training exercises. The university also has a so-called ‘simulation centre’ which allows aspiring practitioners to try certain movements before working with actual patients.
When asked about the prospect of a master’s programme in medicine, Professor Massard says this will need to be settled by the country’s politicians. Hopes are for the future Ministry for Higher Education and Research to help expand the offer, prompting more students to stay in the Grand Duchy - particularly in light of the current shortage of physicians.
As students are still compelled to complete their degrees abroad, which takes between five to ten years, there is still a high chance they will start building their lives elsewhere and never return. Massard believes this might change with the introduction of a master’s programme.
As for the idea of a Luxembourg-based university hospital, Professor Massard argued that no entirely new institution is necessary. Rather, existing structures should be expanded and used advantageously to include teaching positions across the country.
