From Greece

Accreditation, permit of residence, language, licensing, specialist training, et cetera.
hapido
Inlägg: 2
Blev medlem: 07 sep 2014, 19:00

From Greece

Inlägg av hapido »

Hello Nils,

First of all I would like to thank you for your time answering all these threads :glad:

I am currently a medical student in Greece and will complete my studies in a few years. Currently, I am considering having my residency in internal medicine in Sweden. Obviously, I plan on studying Swedish prior to applying in any position there. From my understanding, as an EU citizen, getting a Swedish medical license will not require any further exams.
What I am mainly interested in is how feasible it is for a Greek graduate to obtain a ST position in Sweden. Clearly, areas such as Stockholm, Skåne and Göteborg are a no-no, but are there any chances to get a position somewhere else (and preferably not Norrbotten)? Will any positions require experience from Greece, or is it possible to start in some hospital on a test basis, and move up to ST after a few months?
Finally, concerning the (unofficial but understandably necessary) language requirements, what level is required? B2? TISUS?

Again, thank you for your time.
A sinking Greek (along with the rest of the country)
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Nils
driver läkarstudent.se
Inlägg: 4717
Blev medlem: 22 apr 2008, 23:52

Re: Residency in Sweden for Greek

Inlägg av Nils »

Hello hapido,

At this point, the Swedish medical license may be obtained without any obstacles because of the EU professional recognition directive. This may change in the next few years though, with sufficient Swedish language fluency potentially becoming a mandatory requirement. No formal decision has yet been made though. Additionally, employers may also require that any doctors seeking employment need to be able to communicate in Swedish even if they possess a Swedish medical license.

Either way, it is a good plan to study Swedish ahead of applying - at the very least, having a better grasp of the language will be very useful and beneficial professionally.

The chances are significantly better outside of the urban areas (Stockholm, Gothenburg, Lund-Malmö). The western part of the middle of Sweden, the southeast and the north (south of Västerbotten) may be the easiest areas.

Experience is always good, especially if it is experience from working in the Swedish healthcare system. Research experience is of strong value when going for the university hospitals. You should also be prepared to work for at least a year before getting an ST position (though you can start applying pretty much immediately to make sure that you don't miss any opportunities). The Swedish labour market is heavily based on personal connections and getting people to vouch for you, which will take some time to achieve regardless of whether you come from abroad or from Sweden (unless you happen to have relatives or friends in the right positions). Generally speaking, Swedish employers prefer making only very safe bets.

As for the unofficial language requirements, I think it matters more that you can demonstrate your language skills in person (in the application letter and at the interview) than which score you got on a test - though I am not an expert on this subject.

If anything is not perfectly clear or if I missed something, feel free to ask more questions.
hapido
Inlägg: 2
Blev medlem: 07 sep 2014, 19:00

Re: Residency in Sweden for Greek

Inlägg av hapido »

Thank you for your quick reply. You have cleared lots of gray areas for me!
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