20 THINGS ONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PG MEDICAL TRAINING IN GERMANY

• Purpose of  Post Graduate Program in Germany after MBBS: 

Post Graduation courses after MBBS are always a matter of worry among doctors in India. 

This program is not offered by German universities hence it is a medical specialist training, not a degree program. During the training, one works as a doctor as full-time employee at a doctor’s practice or  a university clinic or any institution authorized to provide full-scale professional medical treatment.

• Overview: MBBS degree acquired in India is not recognized as equivalent to the basic medical qualification in Germany. If the candidate wants to practice as a medical professional in Germany various stages of medical studies is needed to be completed .Further, examinations that enable one to take the necessary license (Approbation) to practice in Germany is basic criteria. 

• Duration : The time frame varies from 5–6 years depending on the chosen stream. 

• Scope of career :
• Specialist doctor in any field of choice.
• Work at any multinational hospital across the globe.
• Open private clinic.
• Set up a career in Germany or other European countries after PG course.

• 30+ different Specialization: Recent rise in demand for this training has witnessed increasing vacancies which make Germany an ideal destination to start careers for Doctors.  Around 32 German universities were included in the latest QS World University Rankings under Subject of Medicine. This proves,  every candidate has his/her wish to choose without being forced into a stream against one’s will.

• Some streams in demand are :

• Anaesthesiology
• Cardiac Pulmonary Perfusion
• Child Health Care
• Clinical Research
• Community Health Care
• Dermatology
• Gynaecology and Obstetrics
• Medical Imaging Technology
• Medical Lab Technology
• Medical Record Technology
• Operation Theatre Technology
• Ophthalmology
• Optometry
• Orthopaedics
• OT Technician
• Physiotherapy
• Rural Health Care

• Generally required documents:
• Valid passport 

• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of sufficient funds (via IT returns/ bank docx)
• Proof of previous education. A copy of certificate should provide studies translated and notarized in the German language.
• Video Interview
• Proof of language skills
• Letter of acceptance from one’s higher education institution
• For a prospective student visa, a recognised higher education entrance qualification is needed
• A health certificate(optional)

• Safety for Indian Students:
• Germany is a very safe place for Indian students as well as other international students.
• Students in Germany can roam around freely without any fears.
• It is a rare sight to witness violent crimes.
• Though there can be petty cases of theft in tourist places, just like any other country. 
• It is advised to handle important documents with due care and keep copies safely for references.
• In terms of Consular services by Embassy of India- Germany, a candidate can approach them online or by contact number available on their website.

1. Accommodation- In terms of living in Germany, multiple options with varied budget is available at disposal. Affordable options for international students are residence halls / sharing a rented private apartment in groups. One can also rent a studio apartment. 

Average accommodation costs for a student in Germany:

• Living in a student residence hall : 250 EUR /month
• Sharing a rented private apartment: 365 EUR /month
•  Studio Apartment: 390 EUR/month

• Rooms in student residence halls : This is one of the most popular housing options. According to DAAD, over 40% of international students opt to  live in student residences. Second most popular option accounting to 30%, is shared flats as means of accommodation.

1. Monthly utilities: Basic necessities, including gas, electricity, heating  and internet, an approximate between 100 to 300 EUR can be estimated to one’s overall living expenses.

1. Food : A student in Germany will pay about 170 Euros per month on food. For cheaper priced goods, try supermarkets like Aldi, Netto  and Lidl.

1. State Exam: Approbationsordnung für Ärzte (Regulation of the Licensing of Doctors or AppOÄ) consists of three stages-

S1: ‘Physicum’ is 1st stage which is based on anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. Format is in a written and oral-practical.

This exam is taken after two years of study in the field of medicine. 

1. S2: 2nd stage is a written case-related exam. A candidate qualifies for second stage after five years of study plus successful completion of the first exam. 

1. S3: 3rd stage takes place post-one year after completion of the second stage after  a total of 6 years study of medicine . It is an oral/practical examination.

Details of dates of written  exam is available on the Instituts für medizinische und pharmazeutische Prüfungsfragen in Mainz consecutively.

Post qualifying in Approbation, students get their medical license. This bestows right to practice medicine. 

          The license is applicable all over Germany, with conditions that revocation would happen on consecutive disciplinary actions. Majority doctors continue on to write their dissertation to earn the title of “Dr. med” after all hard work. While some students complete their dissertation in short span. This increases their job prospects as soon as they have passed the final exam. 

• All Indian medical graduates compulsorily need to pass this exam to gain license of practise. 

• Internship: To boost one’s career, it is advised to complete internships for experience.

• Flexible working hrs: 40hrs/week. 

Leave on weekends and public holidays. Yearly leave on 28-32 days, varying from state to state.

1. Title of a “Facharzt:   Candidates will be awarded the title of a “Facharzt” that is a specialist/ consultant, one’s chances of getting German Permanent Residency(PR) are also increased. 

• Blue card recipient advantage: After 21days of receiving blue card, one can bring their spouse and family to Germany as dependents. They do not require prior procurement of German knowledge.