Fast track language course for Syrian asylum-seeking MD's

[Nils]

https://sverigesradio.se/sida/artikel.a ... el=6003443

A gathering is taking place at Tjörnbro Park, a refugee facility in Bohuslän situated by the sea in the shade of the Tjörn bridge. Three Syrian physicianss, who arrived in Sweden just a few months ago, are going to meet their new teacher in Swedish for the first time.

The idea behind the project is to start an education in medical Swedish already during the wait for a residency permit. During the time the physicians will be assisted with the paperwork in the long process towards obtaining a Swedish medical license. Hasan Bitar, a surgeon, is impatient.

- It is a problem, because I have now been here for three months and I still have not learned any Swedish. If I get the opportunity to do so, it would be very, very... you know, an incredible opportunity for me. Ideally, it would be medical Swedish, says Hasan Bitar.

In Sweden, the demand for physicians is greater than the supply. In the Västra Götaland region alone, there is a shortage of up to 200 physicians. The Swedish National Audit Office estimates that shortening the path to employment by one month for a physician would mean a profit of SEK 42.000 for the public sector.

By putting up notes and making phone calls, project manager Ulla Ekström has managed to locate about 40 Syrian physicians at different refugee facilities in the region.

- When they arrive, they are very motivated and committed, very grateful towards the country taking them in. But when nothing happens after that, there is a risk that the feeling of being motivated is replaced by a feeling of frustration and eventually passivity, says Ekström who thinks there are many gains to be made from quickly taking care of the expertise of the physicians:

- The region view them as an important asset in health care. Their native language is also common with our patients, which offers a double advantage: both their background and their expertise are an asset.

[Nils]

Västernorrland's county council also wants to recruit Syrian MD's:
http://www.st.nu/medelpad/sundsvall/lak ... lanstinget