Courses

The course aims to heighten students' sensitivity to the psychological aspects of medicine and to improve their communication skills, taking into account patients' personalities, developmental stages, intellectual capacities, and broader psychosocial contexts. It addresses the interplay between the psyche and physical health and explores how psychological knowledge can be applied to patient care. The course offers practical guidance on communicating effectively with diverse patient types, developing listening skills, providing basic support, and acting as a source of strength for chronically ill patients and their families. It also covers the specific needs of pediatric patients. The course provides a comprehensive perspective on the patientranging from the fundamentals of psychosomatic medicine and interdisciplinary collaboration to an explanation of the biopsychosocial model of health and illness. It offers deeper insight into the roles of both patient and professional while presenting psychological concepts relevant to the medical profession. Students will acquire practical skills in establishing rapport and communicating with patients, considering how patients subjectively perceive and experience the stress associated with health threats; they will also gain a better understanding of the psychological dimensions of experiencing illness and treatment. Students will learn about potential patient reactions to diagnoses and treatment processes and gain a basic understanding of available support options. An important component of the course is also fostering mindfulness regarding one's own internal experiences and identifying sources and mechanisms for self-support.