Building bridges between people, medicine and technology

David is a real home-grown talent at Burgenland University of Applied Sciences - he not only studied here, but has now also found his professional home. After completing his Master's degree in Health Management and Integrated Care and successfully completing two further education courses, it was clear to him that Burgenland University of Applied Sciences is more than just a place to study - it is a place to arrive and help shape the future. When a degree programme in Radiology Technology was finally set up, it was clear to him that he wanted to be involved right from the start.

His career has taken him from emergency radiology at Vienna's Wilhelminenspital hospital to MedAustron in Wiener Neustadt and on to teaching. Working with people has always been his strongest motivation - be it with patients or students. The latter also accompanied him for some time through his teaching activities at the Wiener Neustadt University of Applied Sciences and in several courses at the Burgenland University of Applied Sciences for Continuing Education.

It was not originally planned that his path would lead him into the healthcare sector - his community service finally brought the decisive turning point. Since then, the subject has stayed with him.

As head of the degree programme, David wants one thing above all: to inspire enthusiasm - for a profession with a future and for a degree programme that combines theory and practice in a meaningful way. The informal atmosphere at the Pinkafeld site is just as important to him as the personal dialogue with the students: "I want them to enjoy coming here - and to be able to contact us at any time with questions or concerns." With only 15 study places per year, the setting is ideal for this: close-knit support, intensive supervision, a real sense of togetherness.

In terms of content, the degree programme covers the entire spectrum of radiology technology - from diagnostic and interventional radiology to nuclear medicine and radiotherapy. Each area is examined from four perspectives: technical basics, examination or therapy procedure, clinical case analysis and practical application in the skills lab.

A particular focus is placed on topics such as digitalisation, sustainability, interprofessionalism and interdisciplinarity . Developments relating to artificial intelligence are specifically incorporated into teaching - not as overloaded specialised training, but as a sound basic understanding that prepares students for everyday working life. Sustainability also plays a key role: "The healthcare sector accounts for almost 7% of CO₂ emissions in Austria - and radiology is partly responsible for this. Raising awareness of this is very important to us."

One particular highlight is the close collaboration with Gesundheit Burgenland, especially the Oberwart Clinic. Interested students have the opportunity to complete a taster day in radiology via the university before they start their studies. The response is consistently positive - many report enthusiastically about their first impressions of their potential dream job.

David Rupprecht is particularly proud of the structure of the degree programme itself:

With a view to new professional laws, he sees great potential in specialisation and further development - for example through advanced Master's programmes. In future, too, the degree programme should not only impart knowledge, but also specifically promote talent and open up prospects.

Anyone interested in radiology technology should not only have an interest in medicine, but should also enjoy working with people, have empathy and be open to technical topics - and not shy away from physics: "We meet students where they are and support them from day one - individually, practically and with real enthusiasm."