My life after RSU: interview with German alumnus Marcel Bender

This spring, the RSU International Students' Association had the pleasure of interviewing Marcel Bender, a 28-year old RSU medical graduate who is currently working in Germany. Dr. Bender is a second-year resident in orthopaedic surgery, traumatology and sports medicine. This was an interactive interview, held at Spiikiizi café, and students could send in questions beforehand. 

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Marcel Bender sharing his experiences with students in the interactive interview at Spiikiizi café

Dr. Bender, what was the first thing you did when you graduated from RSU?

The first thing I did was to go on holiday, which I think I earned after preparations for the state exam. 

How did you decide on your future specialty and how did you choose your current hospital?

During my summer internship, I had an idea of what I wanted to do and in which field I would like to specialise. I noticed my interest in surgery and knew; that’s the specialty I would like to pursue further.

How did you find your residency and what impacted your decision to work in a rather small hospital with local coverage?

Smaller hospitals often offer a better educational experience. The employees know each other and the hierarchy is less pronounced. During my residency, they offered me to continue my education, and it was possible to attend a variety of courses. I place high value on a good balance between work life and personal life, and I am convinced I found the whole package in a smaller hospital. During my summer internship, I was at a university hospital. Compared to what I experience now, I encountered an environment that was not so welcoming and rather impersonal.

How would you evaluate clinical education at RSU and did you feel prepared for the daily struggle of practising medicine?

Due to the fact that I was regularly applying for summer internships, I lacked some practical skills however the theoretical basis I had was sufficient. During residency though, you have to start cramming and get into the details of your specialty. 

When did you apply for your residency, and how long did it take to get the Latvian Diploma transferred to a German Qualification?

I started applying to hospitals only after graduation, as the time before was devoted to state exam preparations. I was quickly able to secure some job offers, so didn’t stress too much with the applications.< /p> Acknowledgement of the Latvian Doctor’s License in Germany only took two months. You are required to supply a Latvian police report and the certificates issued by RSU. You have to contact the authorities in the county you want to work in, not where you were born. In some counties, you have to provide a general health certificate, which is mostly a formality. 

What does your normal working day look like?

The shift starts officially at eight o´clock, but I arrive earlier to prepare patients for the doctor´s round. At eight, we gather to see all patients and go on the ward round. After that, my daily work begins; I work in the emergency room and receive incoming patients or cover the inpatient ward. I assist in operations, and I perform the first procedures on my own. After work, I try to balance my life by getting involved in sports and being active. Often though, I am quite tired after work, because the daily grind keeps me busy. 

What would you recommend to current RSU students?

Undertake internships, discover what there is to encounter in the clinics. And enjoy student life in Riga, the tough life is still to come, so use the free time you have now.

Were you at a disadvantage for not having attempted a Doctoral thesis and not undergoing the promotion process?

No, but I know that at some hospitals, especially when you pursue an academic career, this can be a disadvantage.