On 3 April, the Ulm University Hospital (UKU) and Ulm University were transformed into a lively paradise to discover for young talents. As part of the nationwide Girls' and Boys' Day, a total of 160 pupils from different ages were given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of medicine, nursing, therapy, science and technology.
Behind the scenes
At the University Hospital, the groups of boys learnt more about the nursing professions as well as the medical and surgical areas. They experienced on site what is important on the ward, in the operating theatre, laboratory or in emergency medicine and intensive care and how important and diverse the individual professional groups are in order to ultimately achieve optimal patient care together.
On the same day, inquisitive schoolgirls gathered at the hospital to learn all about the appointment of a surgeon. The girls were able to take a look behind the scenes in the paediatric surgery department and in the emergency medicine skills lab, learn how to handle surgical instruments and carry out suturing exercises on a model themselves.
The day showed how varied and challenging appointments in the healthcare sector are - regardless of gender - and also provided information about education. The programme was supplemented by a digital offer from the Academy of Health Professions at the UKU, which provided career guidance to school pupils from all over Germany.
New perspectives for young talents
The programme offered by Ulm University focused on discovering new perspectives and consciously exploring gender-atypical job profiles. While the girls faced technical challenges, the boys had the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the social and commercial and administrative sectors.
The participants were given practical insights into various areas of work and study and were able to gain a comprehensive picture of the diverse career opportunities after graduation. The programmes for girls ranged from practical workshops in Electrical Engineering, Chemistry and Computer Science to exciting insights into the world of statistics, botany and sustainable energy use. Boys were able to find out about appointments in Central University Administration and the University Library.
"On the one hand, our aim was to break down role stereotypes and encourage young people to orientate themselves freely according to their interests and abilities," says Barbara Klingler-Volswinkler, Equal Opportunities Officer at UKU. "On the other hand, we also wanted to provide fundamental information about the career prospects at Ulm University Hospital and convey to the students: here you not only get first-class training, but also a secure and future-oriented job."
Text and media contact Ulm University Hospital: Julia Brenner
Media contact Ulm University: Daniela Stang