In April, our 13 OMI observers traveled from Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Estonia, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Nigeria, Poland, and Ukraine to attend an observership in their chosen specialty. 12 observers attended a one-month clinical stay at one of three host institutions: the Medical University Hospital Vienna, Salzburg General Hospital, and the University Hospital Graz. The 13th observership is an ongoing, three-month-long research observership at Salzburg General Hospital.
As one of the leading pediatric centers in Austria, a large number of OMI observerships focused on pediatric specialties are located at the University Hospital Graz. Dr. Victoria Koval, pediatric specialist from Ukraine, attended her first observership at the Department for Pediatric Emergency Medicine under Dr. Holger Till.
Victoria Koval, MD
OMI observer from Ukraine
My experience during the OMI observership was truly enriching and exceeded my expectations. Each day offered the opportunity to observe a variety of interesting clinical cases and learn about their management strategies, which was both educational and inspiring. The daily hospital schedule was well-structured, allowing me to be present during ward rounds, surgeries, and discussions, all of which deepened my clinical understanding and broadened my perspective.
The collaboration in the department was excellent, with strong teamwork and open communication at the core of the team’s success. Everyone was supportive, proactive, and committed to shared goals, which created a positive and productive work environment. I was truly impressed by how actively students and young doctors are involved in the treatment process, including surgical operations.
Select pediatric specialties, such as Pediatric Cardiology, are also offered as an observership at the Medical University Hospital in Vienna. Dr. Katija Kragić from Croatia attended such an observership under the guidance of OMI faculty Dr. Ina Michel-Behnke.
Katija Kragić, MD
OMI observer from Croatia
Most of my observership, I spent in the Catheterization Laboratory and observed diagnostic and therapeutic catheterization, which was my first priority. On days without catheterization, I was in the echocardiography lab and at the Pediatric Cardiology Department.
The OMI observership definitely met all of my expectations, and I can say that it was a life-changing experience for me. The collaboration in the department was great. All of the doctors, and especially my mentor, were always available and willing to provide answers to all my questions. I am thrilled and honored that I had this opportunity.
If you are also interested in attending an OMI observership, the next round of applications opens on August 15, 2025. For any questions, you can reach out to: observerships@openmedicalinstitute.org.
