The PRIME Clinician Scientist Program initiated by Prof. Dr. Steffen Massberg (Department of Medicine 1) was interdisciplinary and was funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) with approx. 3 million euros for 5 years. The focus was on improving the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of vascular diseases and microvascular dysfunctions.

Within the framework of PRIME, the young physicians receivededicsreceived 18 months of protected research time spread over a period of 3 years during their specialist training. During this time, they were released from patient care. During this time, they were able to work intensively on experimental research in the laboratory or on clinical research. During the funding period, the participants also completed a qualification program and received intensive mentoring.

The last 8 clinician scientists of the third and final funding year have now successfully completed the program and presented their scientific results at a "Vascular Colloquium" on 28 April. This year, Prof. Stefan Kääb (also from Medical Clinic 1), who is jointly responsible for the program, guided the participants through the program and distributed the certificates of participation. He was impressed by the diversity and scientific quality of the various projects.

Even after the end of PRIME, the Medical & Clinician Scientist Program (MCSP) of the Faculty of Medicine will continue to offer the opportunity to conduct research in the field of vascular diseases. The Dean's Office has created additional positions for this purpose.

The project was coordinated by Stefanie Illmer, M.A. (Dean's Office of the Faculty of Medicine) and Dr. Stephanie Regenfelder (Department of Medicine 1).