In September, twelve OMI observers joined leading Austrian hospitals in Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg for one-month observerships across a wide range of medical specialties, including Anesthesiology, Cardiology, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopedics and Traumatology, Otolaryngology, Pathology, Pediatric Cardiology, and Pediatric Oncology. The participants traveled from Albania (2), Armenia, Croatia (2), Estonia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Moldova, Nigeria, and Vietnam to exchange knowledge, experience new medical settings, and strengthen international collaboration.
Across departments and disciplines, observers emphasized how the experience broadened their professional and personal perspectives. Whether in operating rooms, laboratories, or consultation meetings, they gained not only new medical insights but also a deeper understanding of teamwork and communication within a clinical environment.
Dr. Hasmik Bareghamyan, an observer from Armenia, reflected on her time at the OB/GYN Department of the Medical University of Vienna:
“My time in the department was an immensely valuable and enriching learning experience. The strong emphasis on multidisciplinary collaboration among obstetricians, fetal medicine specialists, and nursing staff gave me a deeper understanding of the impact of prenatal diagnosis and management on perinatal outcomes.”
Similarly, OMI observer Dr. Anh Luong from Vietnam shared how observing surgical procedures in Austria influenced his professional outlook:
“The OMI observership gave me many new perspectives. I learned not only new medical knowledge but also how to collaborate effectively and manage work within a team. For a surgeon, having the chance to observe advanced techniques was a great privilege, and I hope to bring these insights and practices back to my home country.”
Pathologist Dr. Daniela Nakuci from Albania also highlighted how her observership enhanced both her clinical and research skills:
“My OMI observership was an exceptional professional experience. Each day began with morning rounds and multidisciplinary case discussions, followed by work in the pathology laboratory. The experience improved my research planning and collaboration abilities, preparing me to contribute more effectively to both clinical practice and academic projects.”
For many, the observerships also served as a bridge toward lasting professional connections. As Georgian participant, Dr. Ioseb Begashvili described, “I became friends with my Austrian colleagues. We exchanged experiences, discussed challenges in our respective healthcare systems, and shared ways to improve our work. We will definitely stay in touch.”
Each month, the OMI observership program offers clinicians from around the world the opportunity to observe, learn, and connect within Austrian medical institutions – broadening perspectives and building partnerships that reach beyond borders.
For more information, please contact: observerships@openmedicalinstitute.org.
