Dr. Karl-Peter Jungius, Switzerland

1. Could you please describe your academic/ professional career in a few words?

After my medical studies and my doctorate, I completed further education in radiology and nuclear medicine; as a senior radiologist at the University Hospital Zurich, then as chief physician for radiology and nuclear medicine at the Upper Valais Public Hospital Centre (Spitalzentrum Oberwallis). In 2007, I moved to the private health care industry. At present, I work for affidea, a health care provider with branches in several European countries. Besides numerous scientific publications and book contributions, I have given more than 100 lectures on national and international medical conferences.

2. What do you find most fascinating about your home country?

In addition to Switzerland’s fascinating alpine landscape, I appreciate the political impact of the Swiss people. Switzerland is also well known for its powerful industry in several areas including well known multinationals (e.g.: Nestlé, Roche, Novartis, UBS) and for its efficient educational system with top ranking universities (e.g. ETH, EPFL).

3. Do you have any experience regarding a scientific or economic exchange between your home country and countries of the European Union?

Until 2014, Switzerland participated in the ERASMUS program. As the program manager of the University of Berne for the traineeship of final year medical students in the Upper Valais I supervised medical students from Germany.

4. What do you think about the importance of Alumni in terms of the cultural, academic and economic exchange?

I highly value the exchange of ideas amongst alumni. It may be difficult to prove the effect of every resource used regarding alumni affairs. However, I am convinced that alumni act as multipliers playing together with other factors an indispensable role in the long term success of a university.