After the gender dispute

Graz medical university in the political crossfire

Norbert Kroißenbrunner's teaching practice was withdrawn.

(Bild: Krone KREATIV/Med Uni Graz, zVg)

Hundreds of comments on social networks and angry political reactions: The "Steirerkrone" story on the gender conflict between a doctor and the Medical University of Graz caused a huge stir. In the evening, an agreement was reached: The doctor is allowed to train students again. The university relented - to the delight of Nobert Kroißenbrunner.

The university had revoked the permission of the respected Turnau general practitioner Norbert Kroißenbrunner - married and father of three daughters - to train future doctors in his country doctor's surgery.

"Due to the manner of communication, we had to conclude that Dr. Kroißenbrunner does not represent the values that we want to instil in our students," said the university, explaining its controversial decision.

Although the "gender star" was the starting point, it was not the main reason for the measure, however. The medical university - recently headed by Andrea Kurz - was heavily criticized by federal and state politicians.

The ÖVP ministers Martin Polaschek (Education) and Susanne Raab (Women) also spoke out via the "Krone" newspaper.

Women's Affairs Minister Raab against gender ideology.

(Bild: APA/HANS KLAUS TECHT)

"The fact that the doctor was deprived of his teaching practice by some lecturers on the basis of personal gender ideology is unacceptable," raged Polaschek.

"Does not help actual equality"
Raab defended himself against "an exaggerated mandatory gendering with special characters that loses touch with people and the actual challenges of equality": "If the debate is conducted in such a tense manner, it does not help the actual equality of women in their daily lives."

FPÖ leader Mario Kunasek (left) and Governor Christopher Drexler (ÖVP)

(Bild: Christian Jauschowetz, Krone KREATIV)

The reaction of state governor Christopher Drexler was also harsh: "We need every ounce of strength, especially in the health sector. It's about teaching and training medicine. Putting obstacles in the way of committed people should not be allowed."

FPÖ leader Mario Kunasek, who also announced political inquiries, was no less critical: "The Medical University's decision is highly condemnable. It is unacceptable that someone who expresses justified criticism of a brief is immediately deprived of the opportunity to run a teaching practice."

Mediated discussion
Meanwhile, Karlheinz Kornhäusl, State Councillor for Health, mediated in the case: early on Thursday morning, he spoke on the phone with both Kroißenbrunner and the university rectorate, who expressed a willingness to talk. Kornhäusl: "Irrespective of this case, I am of the opinion that there must be an end to excessive political correctness!"

Efforts that were successful: In a telephone conversation, the GP was informed by the university that he would be allowed to run a teaching practice again with immediate effect. "I am delighted that we have managed to find a solution to this matter so quickly," says Kornhäusl. "We need every committed doctor - especially when it comes to training young doctors. Because we must all be concerned with providing people with the best possible care and not with any 'gender styles'."