Post by Tim-Mathis Beutel

🩺 Done! I still can’t quite believe it: I officially graduated from medical school! 🎓 After six intense years at two amazing universities, I passed the German licensing exam with distinction at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München. For me, this is a dream come true. ✨ I still remember the moment in March 2019 – just graduated from nursing school (Knappschaft Kliniken Westfalen GmbH) – when I got my admission to the University of Cologne. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Cologne became a home. It gave me an excellent education and the chance to dive into translational research at CECAD Cologne 🔬. 🙏 This path would not have been possible without incredible support: especially the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung and the Mildred Scheel School of Oncology (Deutsche Krebshilfe). Their trust and funding gave me the freedom to grow as a medical researcher. One major highlight: I was fortunate to spend some time at Boston University and join the Neurosurgery Service at Boston Medical Center (BMC). That deep dive into neurosurgery and neurocritical care was not only a professional highlight, but a life-shaping experience. Following my Step 2 exam, I moved to Munich – and found inspiration in so many new people. From caring for oncology patients at Asklepios Lungenklinik Gauting 🫁 to my final rotation at LMU Neurosurgery; a place that truly shaped how I think about medicine, teamwork, and what it means to be a good doctor. Last Friday, I sat in LMU’s historic main hall, in gown and hat, listening to our Dean Thomas Gudermann, who reminded us of our responsibility as physicians; especially here in Munich, where the memory of Sophie Scholl and the White Rose calls on us to stand up for what matters: in medicine and in life. 🕊️ To everyone who’s been part of this journey – mentors, friends, colleagues, patients: Thank you. I carry your lessons with me. Let’s see what’s next. I’m always open for new ideas, challenges, and collaborations. 💡🌍 #MedSchool #Graduation #Neurosurgery #LMUMunich #CECAD #FES #BostonUniversity #CancerResearch #NextChapter #Grateful