As part of a European study abroad program focused on international healthcare systems, 11 students from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) recently visited the Arthrex EMEA regional head office in Munich, Germany, gaining firsthand insights into the company’s global operations, culture and mission of Helping Surgeons Treat Their Patients Better® across the world.
The visit built on the students' current knowledge of and experience with the company. Over the years, Arthrex and FGCU have developed a strong, long-standing partnership, as the university is located near the company’s global corporate headquarters in Naples, Florida. During an earlier visit to the Arthrex campus in Naples, the students had the opportunity to meet President and Founder Reinhold Schmieding. In Munich, students expanded their understanding of how innovation, research and collaboration help improve patient care around the world.
“Many students think a career in healthcare automatically means working in a hospital — we want to show them that there’s so much more out there,” said Program Director of Physician Assistant Studies and Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Sciences Tina Mullins.
The visit began with a welcome from Arthrex EMEA Managing Director Torgeir Erlandsen, who shared insights into the diverse healthcare systems across Europe, the company’s growth as a global leader in surgical technology and the importance of understanding a company's purpose when considering future career opportunities.
Throughout the day, students got a firsthand look at different areas of Arthrex—from scientific research and sustainability to product management and AI. A behind-the-scenes tour and a hands-on medical education session brought these roles to life and showed how teams across the company contribute to improving patient outcomes.
“The FGCU visit showed how powerful the Arthrex Experience can be—combining innovation, hands-on learning and genuine engagement,” said EMEA Manager of Arthrex Experience Immanuel Görens. “We want students to leave not only with insights into MedTech [medical technology], but with a real sense of our culture and the people behind it.”
For many students, it was their first opportunity to experience firsthand how a global medical device company supports innovation and patient care.
“What impressed me most is not just what Arthrex does, but why they do it. You can really feel that strong focus on people — both patients and employees,” said Alexis Mathurin, a senior Health Science student.
Biology major Alexa Garces said the experience reshaped her view on future career opportunities.
“It made me realize how interesting clinical research could be for me,” she said. “Seeing how innovation drives progress across the MedTech industry — and how closely research, technology, and patient care are connected — really changed how I think about my future.”
The visit reflects the ongoing partnership between Arthrex and FGCU and the company’s commitment to supporting educational experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world innovation.
“By engaging with students, we invest in the next generation of healthcare professionals who advance our mission of Helping Surgeons Treat Their Patients Better,” said Arthrex International Finance and Business Analytics Manager Matthias Enichlmayr, who helped establish the connection between FGCU and Arthrex.
Through experiences like these, students gain a global perspective on healthcare while discovering the many ways they can contribute to improving patient outcomes, both inside and outside of traditional clinical settings.
