iPRACTIS

The International Clinician Scientist Program of the MHH

The most important links to iPRACTIS

What is iPRACTIS?

The International Clinician Scientist Program (iPRACTIS) is a structured career development program to support researchers with a foreign medical degree to become Clinician Scientists in Germany.

iPRACTIS is designed for early-career physicians from all disciplines (including dentists) who have completed their medical degree but have not yet completed their specialist training (e.g. 'Facharzt' or residency). The program is a fit for researchers in the R2 career phase who are motivated to pursue a career in academic medicine.

Participants receive clinical and research training, mentoring, and individualized support in navigating the process of medical degree recognition in Germany and integrating into the German academic and healthcare systems.

We look forward to welcoming you at the MHH. You can learn more about research and life in Hannover here.


Important milestones in iPRACTIS

As a Clinician Scientist in the iPRACTIS program, you will be taking crucial steps towards a career at the interface of clinical care, medical research, and therapeutic innovation. There are several key milestones we have outlined to help you make the most of this stage in your career development, and help you move effectively towards higher levels of specialization and achievement in the clinic, research, and beyond.

Clinical Expectations:

  • Achieve official recognition (Approbation) of their medical credentials
  • Reach German language proficiency (Medical C1) sufficient for clinical practice

 

Research Expectations:

  • Achieve milestones of an R2 researcher (according to the European Framework for Research Careers)
  • Submit a competitive third-party funding application
  • Prepare for transition to independent (R3) academic roles (e.g assistant professor, junior group leader, etc)

Eligibility requirements

  • Hold a completed medical degree (from outside Germany)
  • Have initial research experience (completed R1 to early R2 based on European Framework for Research Careers)
  • Have not yet completed specialist clinical training (residency or German 'Facharzt' / 'Weiterbildung' equivalent)
  • Be committed to pursuing a career combining clinical practice and research

What iPRACTIS offers

  • 36 months of structured clinical and research training
  • Self-selected mentors and a personalized mentoring team
  • Individualized support for medical degree recognition and language learning
  • Additional funding for materials, travel, and publication costs
  • Participation in the PRACTIS curriculum, including data analysis, GCP clinical investigator certification, project management, and many others
  • Regular progress evaluations and feedback meetings
  • Integration into a strong Clinician Scientist Network at MHH
  • Access to professional and personal support services at MHH, including a tailored onboarding process, grant writing support, further career development resources, and much more

How to apply for the iPRACTIS program

To apply to iPRACTIS, you will need the following documents:

  1. Cover letter/letter of motivation:
    • Explain in approximately one page the reasons for your application and how the program can support you on your career path to becoming a clinician scientist.
  2. Curriculum vitae in tabular form:
    • See below for more information 
  3. Completed application template:
    • The application can be written in German or English.
    • Please ensure that you comply with the formal guidelines outlined in the application form, including page length, citations, font size, and line spacing.
  4. Necessary attachments to the application:
    • Declaration of consent from the applicant
    • Copies of certificates: Medical examination certificates, doctoral degree certificates, high school diplomas, and other relevant certificates and documents. If the documents are not in German or English, a certified translation is requested.

All documents must be combined into a single PDF file and sent to practis@mh-hannover.de. Individual documents will not be accepted for the application.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

All applicants selected for further consideration will be asked to give a presentation to the selection committee. Applicants based outside Germany have the opportunity for virtual presentation.

Competitive applicants who present virtually will be asked to schedule a final, in-person visit to the MHH prior to receiving their official offer. This enables applicants to connect with future departments in clinics and research.

Questions about iPRACTIS? Your contact for the iPRACTIS program

iPRACTIS
Scientific program coordination

Dr. Thorsten Saenger

Telefon +49 511 532 7806
dekanat.karriere@mh-hannover.de