How are health policy decisions made, what role does self-governance play, and how do healthcare system structures affect the provision of care in practice? On 29 September 2026, first-semester students on the Health Economics and Management degree programme had the opportunity to meet key players in the German healthcare system in person during an excursion to Berlin.
The excursion took place as part of the course ‘Case Study I: Management and Organisational Structures’, taught by Prof. Dr Felix Miedaner. The first stop on the itinerary was the Federal Ministry of Health. Through a simulation exercise on the topic of prevention, the students gained practical insight into the legislative process. They took on different roles and experienced how various interests and positions are incorporated into the political decision-making process.
In the afternoon, the programme included a visit to the GKV-Spitzenverband. Here, the students gained an insight into the tasks and role of the umbrella organisation within the statutory health insurance system. Through direct discussion with a member of the association’s staff, they were also able to ask their own questions and discuss current issues in the healthcare sector.
On 8 October 2026, the field trip did continue with visits to the Joint Federal Committee (G-BA) and the Charité at the Virchow-Klinikum campus. In this way, the students become familiar with further key players and perspectives within the healthcare system and are able to directly link the structures of health policy, self-governance and healthcare provision covered in their degree programme.