ISU, known as a “Mini United Nations” for its dedication to fostering students’ international perspectives, sent five students from the Department of Physical Therapy in the College of Medicine to Germany this July and August. These students traveled over 9,000 kilometers to Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) and its medical center (Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, UKD) to engage in interdisciplinary learning and exchange with German professors specializing in medical humanities education and clinical experts in physical therapy.
This year’s clerk training program was themed “Science with Humanity, Humanity within Science.” The students in Germany experienced a wide-ranging curriculum, receiving clerk training in departments such as orthopedics, physical therapy, trauma medicine, and hospice care, as well as in a specialized “Physical Therapy Clinic for Musicians.” These experiences offered insights into the role and functions of physical therapy within Germany’s healthcare system and taught students how to provide rehabilitation treatments that address both the physical and psychological needs of patients. Additionally, the students visited the physical therapy school under the medical center, where they exchanged ideas with local teachers and students, gaining insights into Germany’s diverse educational philosophies and methods in physical therapy training. Beyond clinical practice, professors from the Institute of History, Theory, and Ethics of Medicine at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf organized multiple clinical case and research seminars for the visiting students. These sessions encouraged students to reflect on the significance of medicine from historical, ethical, and philosophical perspectives, broadening their understanding beyond the natural sciences.
Feng-Chien Chen, a participating student from the Department of Physical Therapy, shared that the opportunity to interact with teachers and students from other countries during her time in Germany brought about diverse perspectives on common issues, kindling her passion for learning. Her peer, Ting-Yen Liu, noted that German experts from various fields did not simply provide answers during discussions. Instead, they used reasoning to guide the conversation toward conclusions. This approach helped her understand how scientists develop their academic insights when exploring unknown fields. Another student, Wen-Ling Lo, expressed that her most profound experience was in the hospice care ward. The environment, equipment, and the arts, music, and aromatherapy provided by doctors and the care team brought smiles to the faces of patients and their families, filling the space with strength. This experience deepened her understanding that death is not something patients face alone; it also requires immense support and courage for their families.
Professor Guan-Chun Lin from the School of Medicine shared that before the trip, he helped students prepare for German culture through after-school sessions that covered German customs, basic grammar, and daily conversation, emphasizing reading, listening, speaking, and presentation skills. The professors and staff at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf provided dedicated support and planning for the collaboration, and both institutions are eager to strengthen their partnership further. Together, they aim to develop medical talent with a comprehensive blend of Eastern and Western approaches to medical humanities and foundational medical education. With over 300 overseas partner schools, ISU offers substantial international mobility, enabling students to pursue their study-abroad dreams directly from campus. This opportunity fosters global perspectives and networks, with ISU students as the primary beneficiaries.
