GERMANY— Siemens Healthineers, one of the world’s leading medical device companies, has unveiled its newly built education and development center (EDC) in Erlangen, Germany.
With an investment of 60 million euros (US$65 million) and three years of construction, the 11,000-square-meter facility is now operational, reinforcing Erlangen as one of the company’s three global training hubs.
The EDC is designed to accommodate up to 240 trainees participating in integrated degree programs focused on IT, electronics, and business administration.
Siemens Healthineers aims to provide comprehensive training opportunities for the next generation of professionals in the healthcare industry.
Moreover, the center can accommodate up to 150 individuals per day for training sessions on the latest medical equipment, utilizing virtual reality (VR) glasses and simulators for digital training purposes.
Equipped with cutting-edge resources, the EDC boasts an impressive array of medical imaging technology.
The facility features 10 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners, two angiography systems, and a photon-counting computed tomography (CT) scanner.
Additionally, the center includes five spacious training rooms equipped with advanced transmission technology and cameras for conducting virtual courses.
In September, Siemens Healthineers is set to welcome 185 new apprentices and dual students for training, with approximately 120 of them based in Erlangen and at nearby Forchheim facilities.
The EDC will play a vital role in preparing these aspiring professionals for careers in the rapidly evolving field of healthcare.
The establishment of the EDC aligns with the growing demand for medical imaging services, driven by the global aging population.
According to the World Health Organization, nearly 22% of the world’s population will be over the age of sixty by 2050, leading to an increased need for regular screening exams and medical imaging.
Europe, in particular, faces staffing shortages in radiology, with a ratio of only 8.5 radiologists per 100,000 population in the U.K. compared to the European average of 13.
The shortage of qualified clinical labor has placed significant financial strain on hospitals and health systems.
A study by Premier Inc. revealed that healthcare organizations are paying an additional US$24 billion annually for qualified clinical staff, primarily due to wage increases and increased overtime payments required to retain existing staff and recruit new professionals.
This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for increased training programs to address the shortage of skilled healthcare workers and alleviate the strain on hospital finances.
Siemens Healthineers Academy Egypt
In addition to the EDC in Erlangen, Siemens Healthineers recently launched the Siemens Healthineers “Academy Egypt” in Cairo.
The academy focuses on skill development and improving access to quality healthcare. Since its founding in 2018, the academy has provided educational programs and academic courses to healthcare professionals and university students.
The academy’s offerings include technical courses in biomedical engineering, ultrasound, and diagnostic imaging, aiming to equip participants with the necessary skills to address clinical challenges in the region.
Siemens Healthineers’ new premises in Cairo align closely with the health pillar of the Egyptian government’s Sustainable Development Strategy, Egypt Vision 2030.
The academy’s collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population supports the presidential initiative “Women Health” and aims to establish Egypt as a leader in healthcare services and research in the Arab world and Africa.
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