Obtaining a medical permit in Switzerland

WOULD YOU RATHER LIVE IN GERMAN SPEAKING AREAS?

If you want to work as a medic in Switzerland, it is necessary to register with FOHP (Federal Office of Public Healith), which is a competent authority for all doctors in Switzerland. The entire process requires a certain amount of time, and in order to help you pass through the same, we provide you with detailed instructions and a list of requirements for obtaining a medical license in Switzerland.

You want a fabulous mountain view, it annoys you when public transportation is delayed and you can’t resist chocolate? Switzerland is the right place for you 🙂

Switzerland has often seen itself as a “special case” (Sonderfall), largely because of its multilingualism, its diverse cultural patchwork and its institutions, but also because of its economic success after World War II. Although some of the political and institutional peculiarities still persist, the rapid modernization of everyday life in Switzerland is reflected in changes in the country’s habits and cuisine.
Swiss cuisine has traditionally been marked by important cultural and regional variations. Cheese dishes are typical of the Alpine regions. The national dish, Fondue neuchâteloise (a mixture of melted Emmentaler and Gruyère cheeses and wine into which bread cubes are dipped), and raclette (cheese melted over a fire and scraped over potatoes or bread) are popular not only throughout the country but in much of the world. The Swiss chocolate industry, which originally grew out of the need to utilize the abundant milk produced in the pre-Alpine dairying regions, is world famous. Also popular are spiced, glazed honey cakes known as Leckerli. The preferred dish of German Switzerland is Rösti (fried shredded potatoes).

Switzerland is one of the countries with the highest standard of living. Switzerland is the second in terms of employment, which means that the situation is very favorable in terms of earnings and safety in the workplace. There are many great winter activities in Switzerland. This is definitely one of the reasons why people are so fond of living in Switzerland! Whoever moves to this Alpine country, (inevitably), starts with winter sports activities, though he may not have been a skier and snowboarder in general. All over Switzerland there are many marked snow trails, can you imagine? Thousands of different options with beautiful scenery! It’s never boring. Life in Switzerland offers many new opportunities such as access to many educational programs, getting to know people from all over the world, learning about new cultures, traveling around the world, high-quality infrastructure. Swiss tradition survives in the country’s many holidays and festivals. Fasnacht (Carnival), which marks the beginning of Lent, is celebrated in late winter throughout the country, with Basel’s parades being of particular note. Although costumes and music are common features, Fasnacht exhibits regional variations, and in some places celebrants are adorned with masks said to chase away evil spirits. Masks are also part of Sylvesterkläuse (New Year) celebrations, particularly in rural Switzerland. Typical Swiss folk culture (e.g., yodeling and playing the alphorn) is still practiced in some rural areas.

Doctors who want to work in Switzerland need a permit from the Cantonal Medical Office (KAZA), but in the canton they want to move. For example, if you want to work as a medic in Zürich, you will need a permission from the Health Administration called Berufsausübungsbewilligung. A doctor who holds a valid permit for vocational training from another canton, in this case in Zürich, may apply for a free recognition of this permit from the Cantonal Medical Service, for example to work in canton Bern.

The FOPH evaluates university degrees and advanced training qualifications for university-level medical professions and the psychology professions. We work on the basis of the bilateral accords between Switzerland and the EU and the EU directive on the recognition of professional qualifications. As a reference for comparison we use the provisions of the Medical Professions Act (MedBG/LPMéd) and the Psychology Professions Act (PsyG/LPsy).

If you already have the right to professional medical duties in another canton or state, there is a possibility by “Providing 90 Day Service”.

Application Requirements

– National of EU or European Community/European Economic Area (EEA) member state
– Completion of Specialist Training (C.C.S.T) or equivalent and 2-3 year Consultant (G.P. or Internal Medicine)
– primary medical qualification (PMQ) is from a university of EU or EEA.
– Minimum CEF (Common European Framework) B/2 level language certificate in German language or equivalent (e.g. Goethe Institute, ÖSD certificate.)
– Trustworthy, flexibility and professional mentality
– willingness to continue professional medical and language development

You can contact us at:
Email: info@incor.hr
Facebook: @incordoo

Register with the German Medical Association

WOULD YOU RATHER LIVE IN GERMAN SPEAKING AREAS?

If you want to work as a medic in Germany, it is necessary to register with GMA (The German Medical Association), which is a competent authority for all doctors in Austria. The entire process requires a certain amount of time, and in order to help you pass through the same, we provide you with detailed instructions and a list of requirements for obtaining a medical license in Germany.

Life is pretty busy in Germany. Germans are a rule loving people. They are very disciplined. And if you do something wrong, for example if you cross the street on a red pedestrian light, you will inevitably either get a dirty look or someone will stop and scold you. Employees are valued in Germany quite a lot. If you are a stranger living in Germany, you might have noticed this more than others. Employees have a lot of organizations that protect their rights and if you complain, someone will listen. As an employee, you will not be exploited and are not at the mercy of a mean boss. The train and bus are on time. They are very also clean. Public transport is widely used in Germany and it is an incredibly good experience. If you’re used to saying that your bus or train were late as an excuse for not getting to work on time, that won’t be acceptable in Germany. Order and timeliness are extremely appreciated here.

The roads in Germany are built for all kinds of transport. They are pedestrian friendly, and most important, bicycle friendly. When you move to a new city, the cheapest transport mode will be by bike, so you can use this in Germany a lot. Almost all roads have a specially designed lane for bikes and you will see cyclists everywhere. Germany is an environmentally friendly country, so you should brush up on your recycling skills and learn what materials go where when you move there, otherwise it can lead to fines. Education is well ordered in Germany. It is high quality, and most importantly, it is free. You will most likely not have to pay any tuition for university, or maybe just a few hundred euros per semester. The difference with U.S tuition, for example, is astounding, because in the U.S you graduate with a mountain of debt.

All stores are closed down on Saturday evening and do not open until Monday morning. Sunday is a time of rest in Germany, so anticipate it and use it well. Most foreigners when they first move to Germany forget this important fact and might end up without some food on Sunday, so be sure to go to the store on Saturday and pick up food and other things you need. Germany has a wide selection of foods, from the meat to the desserts. You get a huge range of breads. Can you believe there is 300 different types od bread?! You might not be able to find the comfort foods of your own country easily, but you will have the opportunity to try many different dishes and ingredients that will be delicious.

To work as a doctor in Germany, you need a work permit called Approbation.

Based on your resume you will be invited to an interview.
List of Documents, which need to be submitted with the forms:
1. An updated CV
2. Photocopy of ID or passport
3. Photocopy of Certificate of birth
4. Photocopy of Certificate of Marriage, if names in ID and Certificate of Birth are different
5. Extract from Police Records, not older than 3 months (Original)
6. Medical Certificate, not older than 1 month; (existing form [in German] can be used, also must be original)
7. Language Certificate, at least B2
8. Diploma
9. Certificate of Conformity, if study started before the country entered the EU
10. Certificate of Good Standing, from all countries where employed. Cannot be older than 3 months. If asked for purpose: Approbation in Germany

Link: https://www.hlk.hr/eu-potvrde.aspx
Check the link above, where you have the application form and the address where you can submit them.

* Knowledge of German is a prerequisite for Approbation.
Physicians, dentists and pharmacists must have language skills at C1 level.
Professionals like Psychological psychotherapists and child / adolescent psychotherapists must have language skills at C2 level.

Furthermore, the competent authority will determine the fee. Therefore, inquire about the probable cost of the procedure before submitting the application. If you are registered as a job seeker in Germany or seeking social assistance, costs may be lower, but must meet certain conditions of government, such as the Federal Employment Service or the Employment Center. Please note that you must always request financial assistance in advance.

All copies submitted must be translated into German by an authorized court interpreter and certified by a notary public. We’ll go through the list together and discuss everything that is at some point unclear. Your application will not be processed until all the required documents have been submitted.

Link: https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/

You can contact us at:
Email: info@incor.hr
Facebook: @incordoo

How to register with the Austrian Medical Chamber?

WOULD YOU RATHER LIVE IN GERMAN SPEAKING AREAS?

If you want to work as a medic in Austria, it is necessary to register with ÖÄK (Österreichische Ärztekammer), which is a competent authority for all doctors in Austria. The entire process requires a certain amount of time, and in order to help you pass through the same, we provide you with detailed instructions and a list of requirements for obtaining a medical license in Austria.

The beautiful “Alpine Republic” has a lot to offer in terms of culture, economy, and quality of life. We want to introduce you to all aspects of living in Austria.

Austria is the home of many famous intellectuals, who have left their mark on the country. The capital attracts people from all over the world who want to live in this cultural place. Many, who came to live in Austria, say they experienced no major problems, as the Austrian attitude towards foreigners is very friendly and welcoming. If you work for an Austrian employer, you already pay into the social security system and are therefore insured. This insurance covers treatment by all doctors, dentists, and specialists who have a contract with your insurance fund.

Most expats headed for Austria settle in Vienna. The capital city is home to almost 1.8 million inhabitants, and the Vienna metropolitan region accounts for more than 20% of Austria’s total population. Graz and Salzburg are Cities of Design and Classical Music. With more than 280,000 inhabitants, Graz is Austria’s second largest city. This university town doesn’t only attract students and academics, it’s also known as the high-tech factory of Austria. It’s also a creative place, and won the UNESCO Creative City Network’s City of Design award. Salzburg is widely known as the birth place of Mozart and just like Vienna it’s a great place for classical music lovers. With more than 150,000 inhabitants, it is only the fourth largest city in Austria. Located in a picturesque valley on the northern edge of the Alps, Salzburg attracts great numbers of tourists every year and is also an important location for trade fairs and conferences.

AUSTRIAN MEDICAL CHAMBER

List of documents that are required for registration with the Austrian Medical Chamber:

In order to be registered with the Austrian Medical Chamber the following general preconditions pursuant to §4 (2) Austrian Medical Act have to be fulfilled:

• EEA or Swiss nationality OR residence permit according to § 5b (1,2) of the Austrian Medical Act OR recognised right of asylum or subsidiary protection status (§5,3)
• Full legal capacity
• Proof of good character and repute
• Fitness to practice (health condition)
• Sufficient knowledge of the German language

All doctors intending to work in Austria have to prove sufficient knowledge of the German language (i.e. having completed the medical training in a German-speaking region or having at least 3 years of experience as German-speaking health care professional etc.). If they do not meet the requirements they have to pass a German language test held by the Austrian Medical Chamber. Doctors who have completed their medical studies in non EEA-countries have to provide either evidence of recognition of medical studies completed abroad by one of the Medical Universities in Austria (Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck), as equivalent with Austrian standards (i.e. Nostrifikationsbescheid on the award of the degree „Doktor der gesamten Heilkunde“) or provide evidence of successful completion of medical studies in Austria before they can apply for recognition of their postgraduate training undergone abroad by the Commission for the Accreditation of foreign training periods of the Austrian Medical Chamber. Upon fulfilling the criteria of the Austrian Medical Training regulations (fullfilment of the objectives of training laid down in the Training regulations), the doctor is admitted to the exam that is obligatory for all doctors in Austria.

Directive 2005/36/EC Applicability:

Automatic recognition: Diplomas corresponding to Directive 2005/36/EC are recognised automatically in Austria on the condition that applicants provide certificates issued by the competent authority stating that the training is in compliance with articles 23 – 30. Procedures based on the General system: Diplomas which do not comply with articles 23 – 30 and are not in accordance with Annexes 5.1.1 – 5.1.3 can be recognised via the general system.

There is no application deadline. Automatic recognition procedures (either based on diplomas or acquired rights) normally last between one and four weeks after receipt of completed documentation.

You can contact us at:
Email: info@incor.hr
Facebook: @incordoo

What to do in Scandinavia during the summer?

You are probably not used to the never-sinking sun or chilling in the lakes at 2 am. But we are sure you’ll quickly get fond of it. The art of truly enjoying your free time, family, sun, short swim in the lakes and sandy beaches is honed by the Scandinavians during the summer months. Be aware that the Nordic summers are mild. 🙂

The summer in the Scandics offers a lot of culinary highlights. It is the beginning of the berry season. You can enjoy fresh locally sourced food prepared in a traditional way at the local restaurants or join the tradition of the summer food festivals.

You can hike the Faroe Islands! Summers are mild on these islands. The visitors come here to admire the dramatic landscapes and find complete peace. The Danes have coined “staycation”: a slow and quiet time on the coastline. The locals love to take it easy and hike on the sandy beach, swim, cycle or fly the kites – the summers spoil with pleasant weather here! The most popular resort in Sweden i.e. in Malmö boasts a sandy beach Ribban and is surrounded by the greenery. The city boasts an abundance of accommodation, restaurants, cafes, and shops, so be prepared to have a really nice weekend here. In summer, Copenhagen hosts numerous festivals, events, and entertainment. From music shows and theater performances to food festivals and the Color Run Race. Most of the events are totally free, so you can definitely give them a try! Summer is the best time to explore fjords on a cruise, in Norway.

Öland Roots is an annual reggae music festival in Öland, Sweden. It has been held since 2004 in June or July with about 2 000 visitors. It is a three-day festival. There are usually 30 different artists.

Scandinavian summer is special. From the end of May until August, darkness barely falls, and, high above the Arctic Circle, the sun never disappears. In this midnight sun period, thousands of islands, playgrounds and countryside are full of opportunities for spontaneous adventure and switch-off relaxation, that’s the essence of friluftsliv (open-air life). Midsummer is a joyous holiday that rivals Christmas in Scandinavian countries., it marks the beginning of the summer solstice, i.e. the longest day of the year. Midsummer Eve is always celebrated in the countryside, that’s the first rule of Midsummer. On the day before, everyone leaves town and everything closes. At Midsummer, many begin their five-week annual holidays.

Midsummer is an occasion of large gatherings many Swedes take advantage of. In many cases, whole families gather to celebrate this traditional high-point of the summer. Midsummer Eve is always a Friday between 19 and 25 June. People often begin the day by picking flowers and making wreaths to place on the maypole, which is a key component in the celebrations. The maypole is raised in an open spot and traditional ring-dances ensue, to the delight of the children and some of the adults. Teenagers tend to stay out of it and wait for the evening’s more riotous entertainment.

A typical Midsummer menu features different kinds of pickled herring, boiled new potatoes with fresh dill, soured cream and chives. This is often followed by a grilled dish of some kind, such as spare rib or salmon, and for dessert the first strawberries of summer, with cream. The traditional accompaniment is a cold beer and schnapps, preferably spiced. Every time the glasses are refilled, singing breaks out anew. Swedes like drinking songs, and the racier the better. After dinner, many people still want to go out dancing, just like in the old days. Preferably on an outdoor dance floor beside a lake as the evening mist settles and the sound of the orchestra echoes back from the rocky hills on the opposite shore.

Link: https://sweden.se/culture-traditions/midsummer/

Our health care workers who went to work in Scandinavia told us they were amazed by Scandinavian customs. So, we are sure you will also enjoy Midsummer and other activities. 🙂

You can contact us at:
Email: info@incor.hr
Facebook: @incordoo

It is important to obtain a license in time!

Here you can find a short story on why is obtaining a license very important subject about which depends on whether and when you will get a job in the country of your dreams.

The character of our story is Dr. Marko P., a pediatric specialist with an address in Zagreb. Doctor Marko completed his education in Dalmatia, where he was also born. At the beginning of the millennium, he enrolled in the Medical School in Zagreb. He decided to specialize at the pediatric clinic since he always enjoyed working with children and helping them.
Doctor Marko and his wife Marija are big travel enthusiasts. While they were students, Marko and Marija visited the United Kingdom and fell in love with London and the opportunities that this city offers. Along with the beautiful buildings of the Tower Bridge and the Big Ben, the most beautiful memories link them to long walks along the Thames, the views of the red telephone booths, black taxis, and legendary double-decker buses. All of that represented their city of dreams.

From all these memories and other visits to London that they had in the meantime, Marko and Marija decided to explore the possibilities to continue their life in England. They were looking for both of them to work in their departments, but their search went on for several months. When Dr. Marko saw that the hospitals in Chelsea neighborhood wanted a pediatrician of his profile, he decided to talk to his wife and both agreed that it was a great opportunity to achieve their life goal of moving to London. After several days, Marko sent an inquiry about the job and received information that the hospital is looking for a doctor who could start working next month. Dr. Marko was delighted with this idea and he already saw himself working in a London hospital, coming home to a beautiful small apartment after the shift, enjoying family time and walking through London avenues. However, in order to work in the United Kingdom, the doctor needs to be enrolled in the GMC register. Marko did not do it before and decided to gradually gather the necessary documentation to be able to register. In the meantime, the job opening was unfortunately closed, and Dr. Marko has to wait for the next opportunity.

Do not let small steps prevent you from achieving your life goals. Inform yourself about the possibility of enrolling in the Register of Doctors in the United Kingdom or Ireland. We prepared the instructions on how to register in Ireland’s register on https://incor.hr/how-to-register-as-a-doctor-in-ireland/, while instructions for the GMC can be found at https://incor.hr/instructions-on-how-to-join-the-gmc-register/.

 

For all possible questions, please feel free to contact us through:
Email: info@incor.hr
Facebook: @incordoo