Germany Struggles to Integrate Foreign Doctors Amid Doctor Shortage
Germany is facing a shortage of 50,000 doctors in the coming years, with many highly qualified physicians among the 1.2 million Ukrainian and 972,000 Syrian refugees currently living in the country. Despite their qualifications, many foreign doctors face obstacles in practicing medicine in Germany.
Challenges in Recognition and Licensing
Foreign doctors like Oleksii Ukrainskyi from Ukraine have encountered expensive and time-consuming hurdles in having their medical degrees recognized in Germany. The process involves extensive documentation, language exams, and internship requirements, varying across the 16 federal states.
Calls for Streamlined Processes
The Marburger Bund, Germany’s main doctor’s union, advocates for less bureaucracy in licensing procedures to facilitate the integration of foreign doctors. SyGAAD, a Syrian doctor’s organization, pushes for a unified process across Germany to streamline the recognition of medical degrees.
Political Backlash and Workforce Challenges
Amid anti-immigration sentiments and calls for deportations, Syrian doctors face extra pressure to get licensed in Germany. Additionally, the healthcare system grapples with part-time work trends and uneven distribution of doctors, especially in rural areas.
Addressing the Issue
To tackle the doctor shortage and integration challenges, stakeholders emphasize the need for standardized processes, reduced bureaucracy, and improved support for foreign doctors aspiring to practice medicine in Germany.
Edited by Rina Goldenberg