Med Uni Graz launches inittiative for ME/CFS training
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious neuroimmunological disease that often leads to a high degree of physical impairment. It is estimated that around 50,000 people in Austria are affected by ME/CFS, of which around 5,000 are in Styria alone. Experts criticize the current care of ME/CFS patients as inadequate, as there is often a lack of knowledge about the symptoms and treatment of this disease. To meet this challenge, the Medical University of Graz has launched a new training focus. From now on, students in the final section of their studies will be trained specifically in the area of ME/CFS in order to improve the care situation quickly and sustainably.
“KPJ Skills”: intensive preparation for prospective doctors
The “KPJ Skills” series of courses started today at the Medical University of Graz. This series offers students in the final phase of their diploma course in human medicine the opportunity to prepare specifically in theory and practice for the third part of their clinical practical year (KPJ). A particular focus is on imparting knowledge and skills in the field of ME/CFS in order to give the aspiring medical professionals special, application-oriented knowledge to take with them to the teaching hospitals and teaching practices of the Medical University of Graz. The teaching content is taught by experts in this field.
“Our goal is to reach as many students as possible, especially those in the final year of their medical studies. Through direct contact with experts, they are sensitized to ME/CFS and trained as multipliers. Until ME/CFS becomes part of the regular course of study at our university, we use the KPJ preparatory courses to impart knowledge and skills for the diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS,” explains Erwin Petek, Vice Rector for Studies and Teaching at Med Uni Graz.
Pioneering role of Med Uni Graz in ME/CFS training
The anesthesiologist and pain specialist Thomas Weber was brought on board as an expert for this initiative . Thomas Weber treats patients with ME/CFS in Styria and is watching the development of the disease with concern. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of people affected by ME/CFS has risen sharply. Without adequate care, their quality of life drops rapidly. These are often young, working people with families. Our goal must be to teach future doctors about the diagnosis and treatment of this disease,” emphasizes Thomas Weber.
Josef Smolle, former Rector of the Medical University of Graz, also underlines the high health policy relevance of ME/CFS, especially in the context of post-COVID: “In order to provide optimal care for those affected, all physicians must be familiar with the disease. I am pleased that the Medical University of Graz is taking a pioneering role here and integrating the topic into the KPJ.”
Interested media representatives have the opportunity to interview the course leader Thomas Weber at Med Uni Graz in room MC1.G.02.008 on June 4, 2024 at 1 p.m. If you are interested, please register: presse(at)medunigraz.at
The ME Global Chronicle 