The Foundation Year Programme at Gesundheit Nordhessen in Kassel is a one-year, work-based training designed to help young doctors transition from medical school to specialty training. After completing the BM(EU) medical degree at the Kassel School of Medicine, graduates begin their first role as doctors with a provisional license, working in the hospitals of Gesundheit Nordhessen. 

As a part of Wessex Foundation School, we deliver training fully aligned with the United Kingdom Foundation Programme Curriculum (UKFPO). Therefore, our program is regularly audited and certified by both the Wessex Foundation School and the General Medical Council (GMC) to maintain high-quality standards. Gesundheit Nordhessen is proud to be the only certified Foundation Year 1 training location outside the UK.

Our Foundation Doctors work under a British provisional registration and a German temporary license to practice (§10 Absatz 5 BÄO) until they complete the program. Upon successful completion, they gain full registration in the UK and a permanent license to practice in Germany. This opens up countless opportunities, as they can work in Germany, Europe, the UK, and many Commonwealth countries that recognize this qualification.

Foundation Year 2 (F2) is mandatory in the UK if you plan to enter a Core, Specialty or General Practice training program. However, it is not required for doctors who complete their Foundation Year training with us at Gesundheit Nordhessen. Since our Foundation Doctors obtain a full registration and license to practice both in the UK and Germany upon a successful completion of their Foundation Year 1 a F2 is not included in our program. Doctors planning to continue specialist training in the UK will need to apply separately for an F2 stand-alone program after finishing their Foundation Year here in Kassel.

• The Foundation Year begins annually on August 1st and concludes on July 31st of the following year. It is fundamentally centered around hands-on clinical experience, immersing doctors in various settings such as the ward, operating theatre, emergency room, and beyond. Throughout the year, doctors are supported by a strong supervision system. Supervisors guide them in day-to-day activities and oversee their overall progress, ensuring that educational goals are met. This combination of practical exposure and structured supervision provides a comprehensive foundation in real-world medical practice.
   
• A so-called “shadowing” marks the beginning of the Foundation Year. It will occur in the last week of July each year, just before the start of the first placement. During shadowing, young doctors observe the team on the ward of their first placement to gain a clearer understanding of their future responsibilities as Foundation Doctors and how the ward operates on a day-to-day basis. Further, an induction will be held to introduce them to our employer’s policies, practices, and what to expect throughout the year. This includes information about the program’s structure, teaching sessions, the online portfolio, and more.
   
• During the year, Foundation Doctors work in various departments within Gesundheit Nordhessen hospitals, even across different clinics. These placements are intentionally chosen from diverse areas of medicine, such as trauma surgery, psychiatry, pediatrics, cardiology or anesthesia, to provide a broad introduction to medical practice and exposure to a wide range of specialties.
   
• Supervision during the Foundation Year is structured to ensure comprehensive support and guidance. Each department assigns a Clinical Supervisor who assists with day-to-day matters, addressing immediate questions and practical concerns on the ward. Additionally, an Educational Supervisor oversees the entire Foundation Year. The Educational Supervisor focuses on broader educational goals, helping to plan and track progress throughout the year to ensure that key learning objectives are achieved. Together, the Clinical and Educational Supervisor provide a balanced system of hands-on and ongoing support.
   
• The Teaching Programme is an integral part of the Foundation Year and is designed to provide structured learning on a range of essential medical topics. Every four weeks, a full day is dedicated to lessons covering key medical themes such as ethics in medicine, microbiology, communication training, as well as doctor’s mental health and well-being. Additionally, shortly after the start of the Foundation Year, all participants are required to complete a two-day Advanced Life Support course, ensuring proficiency in critical emergency care techniques. This program is tailored to enhance both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful medical career.
   
• Supervised Learning Events are an essential part of the Foundation Year, offering structured opportunities for professional growth. These regular, in-clinic sessions allow doctors to demonstrate patient interactions and clinical skills under the guidance of experienced supervisors. The primary aim of Slow Learning Events is to provide constructive feedback, helping Foundation Doctors refine their approach, enhance their competency, and build confidence in a supportive learning environment. This ongoing process ensures continual development and alignment with high standards of medical practice. 

The Foundation Team in Kassel provides comprehensive support to all Foundation Doctors throughout their year, assisting with administrative tasks, communication with authorities, mental health concerns, and all aspects necessary for successfully completing the Foundation Year. Our goal is to help them on their journey to becoming compassionate and skilled doctors. We take pride in contributing to medical education and are especially proud of our alumni, who now practice medicine across the globe, including right here with us in Kassel.