Information on mdecine in Norway

[indiandoctor]

Hello,
I am a physician from India and have been working as a occupaional health researcher for past 2 years on a CDC (Center for Disease Prevention and Control) project in the US. Prior to that I earned my masters in public health from the University of Minnesota in 2002 and have been in the US for 4 years now. However , I plan to move with my wife who is a Norwegian citizen to Norway and plan to get my medical licensure there. I have gained a lot of information thus far on the process that I have to undergo to procure medical licensure in Norway but it has been hard to find out foreign medical graduates/ forums for foreign medical graduates in Norway. Importantly, I would appreciate if anyone would know of resources (books/Cds) that foreign medical graduates going to Norway use for studying for the medical language training and the medical theory test offered by the Norwegian Authority for Health Personnel (legeforignen).
I would also be grateful if someone could provide me contact for medical students in Norway as that would also help.
Thanks and hope to hear from someone soon.

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[Miklos]

Hello,
I am a physician from India and have been working as a occupaional health researcher for past 2 years on a CDC (Center for Disease Prevention and Control) project in the US. Prior to that I earned my masters in public health from the University of Minnesota in 2002 and have been in the US for 4 years now. However , I plan to move with my wife who is a Norwegian citizen to Norway and plan to get my medical licensure there. I have gained a lot of information thus far on the process that I have to undergo to procure medical licensure in Norway but it has been hard to find out foreign medical graduates/ forums for foreign medical graduates in Norway. Importantly, I would appreciate if anyone would know of resources (books/Cds) that foreign medical graduates going to Norway use for studying for the medical language training and the medical theory test offered by the Norwegian Authority for Health Personnel (legeforignen).
I would also be grateful if someone could provide me contact for medical students in Norway as that would also help.
Thanks and hope to hear from someone soon.

Hopefully some Norwegian students will post a reply here.

As far as forums for international grads who wish to go to Norway, I doubt that they exist. Keep in mind, that Norway is a relatively small country population wise (4.5m).

As far as opportunities for foreign physicians go, I do not mean to discourage you, but rumor has it that the current 'generation' of Norwegian students abroad (in places like Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary) may well fill all the desirable spots (e.g. cities like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger) and opportunities if they exist for foreigners will be in rural areas or the north. This may especially be the case now, as I have heard that Norwegian graduates from the new EU countries will no longer need to take the "fogeprovet" and complete a turnus (internship).

If memory serves me right, my Norwegian classmates studied principally from the "legeboken" for their "fogeprovet" (don't have Norwegian characters on my keyboard); they also had a book that contained English, German and Norwegian medical terms.

I'm guessing that you've already seen the book list at http://www.med.uio.no/english/suppl.html

Miklos

 

[indiandoctor]

Thanks Miklos , yes I do have the information desired in terms of books that you mentioned however those books are not like the high yield books to study for a 90 questions multiple choice test and that is exactly what I am trying to find out. About employment situation, well because my wife is Norwegian I guess getting work may not be as difficult if I master the language. I may opt for a non clinical research job as opposed to practcing physcian as that has been my forte for past 3 years.But what i have gained from talking to people in Norway is that it would help me most to have the medcial licensure in Norway as that will open up numerous opportunities as opposed not haveing a licensure in Norway and even in continent Europe.Correct me if I am wrong in my assumption as there are all kinds of free trade treaties among the western european democracies so that the workers can move fluidly within various countries.
Also, you are right in terms of jobs as the jobs are available in rural areas and the north and most of them are for psychiatry and general practice (data as indicated by norwegian ministry of heath 2003). Hopefully i will get more people to respond. Thanks again, your help is most appreciated.
Yogi

Hopefully some Norwegian students will post a reply here.

As far as forums for international grads who wish to go to Norway, I doubt that they exist. Keep in mind, that Norway is a relatively small country population wise (4.5m).

As far as opportunities for foreign physicians go, I do not mean to discourage you, but rumor has it that the current 'generation' of Norwegian students abroad (in places like Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary) may well fill all the desirable spots (e.g. cities like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger) and opportunities if they exist for foreigners will be in rural areas or the north. This may especially be the case now, as I have heard that Norwegian graduates from the new EU countries will no longer need to take the "fogeprovet" and complete a turnus (internship).

If memory serves me right, my Norwegian classmates studied principally from the "legeboken" for their "fogeprovet" (don't have Norwegian characters on my keyboard); they also had a book that contained English, German and Norwegian medical terms.

I'm guessing that you've already seen the book list at http://www.med.uio.no/english/suppl.html

Miklos

 

[PathOne]

Pretty sure that a working knowledge of Norwegian is a requirement in order to get a license. English alone certainly isn't enough in any European country (other than UK/Ireland obviously).

 

[Miklos]

Pretty sure that a working knowledge of Norwegian is a requirement in order to get a license. English alone certainly isn't enough in any European country (other than UK/Ireland obviously).

Yes, it is, as evidenced by the link above.

 

[El Duderino]

"Working knowledge"?

Seriously, unless you make a concerted effort to learn Norwegian (and it's not easy) you're not going to go far in medicine in Norway. For research you'd be fine with English. Also, as far as I understand, your MD would be an asset in academia even if you don't have a formal license in Norway. A viable strategy could be to try to get a job in research, get a feel for the language and start working on it, and work on your licensing issues from there.

Good luck!

 

[kputzer]

Hello,
I am a physician from India and have been working as a occupaional health researcher for past 2 years on a CDC (Center for Disease Prevention and Control) project in the US. Prior to that I earned my masters in public health from the University of Minnesota in 2002 and have been in the US for 4 years now. However , I plan to move with my wife who is a Norwegian citizen to Norway and plan to get my medical licensure there. I have gained a lot of information thus far on the process that I have to undergo to procure medical licensure in Norway but it has been hard to find out foreign medical graduates/ forums for foreign medical graduates in Norway. Importantly, I would appreciate if anyone would know of resources (books/Cds) that foreign medical graduates going to Norway use for studying for the medical language training and the medical theory test offered by the Norwegian Authority for Health Personnel (legeforignen).
I would also be grateful if someone could provide me contact for medical students in Norway as that would also help.
Thanks and hope to hear from someone soon.

Dear IndianDoctor,
You mentioned that you have a lot of information regarding the process of medical licensure in Norway - would you be willing to share some of that information, for example how to apply for turnus, what the requirements are, medical norwegian language courses...
I am studying medicine in Poland, in my last year, and I am considering applying for the internship in Norway because of many friends and a boyfriend from there. I am of course going to try to get some info from them but it would be great to get your perspective as well. thank you!

 

[koustubha]

HELLO..

My name is koustubha, finishing my MD in june 2009 from russia, iam a indian citizen. Willing to persue my residancy in some really worthful places in EU, (in sence of earning while doing residancy, and to have it more of in english), though i know al countrys have there own language thing, but though i was here in russia almost for 6 yeasr and have good comand in russian in all terms. Stil here are many doctors those are good enough in eng- language when it comes to some debate and to learn some thing important by there experience..!
dear friend can you be more clear about the Scandinavin places??
I fell sorry being not so known about this iam sorry if you would face any trouble while answering my questions, but i would be very very greatful if you could find some time and answer them..!
No matters what but im look forward to get in EU as it have its own importance, to me..! After reading about sweden iam more interested in it..!
Languge is not a big problim for me, i can learn it as is i will land up that place.
So the core point is if its the Sweden of finland or some other place in EU which i should preffer more, as i have cleared you my side, please suggest me..))
And if its possible to have chat with you by voip of any messenger i would be rather happy as i have only 8 months left to finish my 'UG' here in russia.
And also if the residency is paid i meanif we are suppose to pay for our education i can afford to pay around 5000 euro per year.
May be you must be finding it funny to see those little figures but its all wht i can.
thanking you very much

koustubh. bagul
"[email protected]"

 

[shreypete]

First of all language is a requirement....a huge one as you will be interacting with patients and it's different from learning Russian (Because when learning Russian, you probably learned it over the course of 6 years...whereas you have to learn Swedish before you apply for the residency).

 

[koustubha]

First of all language is a requirement....a huge one as you will be interacting with patients and it's different from learning Russian (Because when learning Russian, you probably learned it over the course of 6 years...whereas you have to learn Swedish before you apply for the residency).

Yes i know language is the basic requirement, but can that be learnt there i as i dont have and option to learnt here in russia. So what can be suggested, by your side? is there any possablity to get there some inensive anguage course, after landing ther or that will be not enough.
You are right but not all russian language was learnt in my first year of study.
Sorry to ask you, but still iam in confusion about the other things regarding, what is the full procudere to get residency there.
Please find some time and reply in little detailed, or may be some one other could help to solve this..

 

[shreypete]

You will first have to prove your command on the language (and yes there are universities that give 1 year integrated intensive courses; keep in mind that you have also to take the medical swedish classes).

Secondly, once this is done, you will have to get your medical degree licensed or approved by the Swedish medical board as Russia is not an EU country. Once you've done this and once you have the langauge requirement, you take an exam that is based on all the subjects you studied in med school. It is in Swedish. You have to pass it in order to proceed. Once you've passed, you then do an internship (anywhere from 6 months to a year) and then you can go into the residency of your choice...but this is no easy task. Swedish and EU students are given first preference followed by the non-EU citizens who graduated from EU schools and finally the international students. So it's quite competitive and getting in can be quite hard...but it's POSSIBLE!!! so don't lose hope.

Each hospital has their own standard of exam...there's is no standardized entrance exam for residency like the USMLEs in the US or PLAB in UK. It differs from hospital to hospital. Also do read some of the other thread on this forum relating to Sweden and other Norwegian countries...I've already written some detailed answers in those threads. And please in the future, don't hijack every thread by posting the same question. It can be very frustrating for others.

 

[koustubha]

You will first have to prove your command on the language (and yes there are universities that give 1 year integrated intensive courses; keep in mind that you have also to take the medical swedish classes).

Secondly, once this is done, you will have to get your medical degree licensed or approved by the Swedish medical board as Russia is not an EU country. Once you've done this and once you have the langauge requirement, you take an exam that is based on all the subjects you studied in med school. It is in Swedish. You have to pass it in order to proceed. Once you've passed, you then do an internship (anywhere from 6 months to a year) and then you can go into the residency of your choice...but this is no easy task. Swedish and EU students are given first preference followed by the non-EU citizens who graduated from EU schools and finally the international students. So it's quite competitive and getting in can be quite hard...but it's POSSIBLE!!! so don't lose hope.

Each hospital has their own standard of exam...there's is no standardized entrance exam for residency like the USMLEs in the US or PLAB in UK. It differs from hospital to hospital. Also do read some of the other thread on this forum relating to Sweden and other Norwegian countries...I've already written some detailed answers in those threads. And please in the future, don't hijack every thread by posting the same question. It can be very frustrating for others.

Yes ofcourse i would not..!
It was some thing really ugernt ie. why!
I am sorry, if you found it so stealed..))

 

[koustubha]

hey friend, A big thankyou for your kind help, NOW PICTURE IS VERY CLEAR FOR US (Me and my FRIENDS). Least i know what are the likely chances to be selected. For students those who are FMG'S, for there own country, like in India undergoing PG is dam really tuff, and on top those hike prices for taking seats, if your are not able to grapple exams which have limited free places , other need to pay such a high price around 4-500.000$, better then it always worth thinking EU, nations for PG(Residency).
But now the big problim is about LANGUAGE, and those hurdle's for knowing the language in scence of medicinal verbs, Woow that some thing time taking.
I thought if it was just language course need to comminicate only with patients then it would have been not so difficult for sweden.
I have went through many of posts of romania, and have found about "CLUJ'' university, do have any personal opinion about romania? I think they have residency program in english? is it so? Recently i got a Mail from AUSTRIA's Medical council, saying this
{{""In Austria the general and specialist doctor training is no more part of the medical studies but is administered by the Austrian Medical Chamber www.aerztekammer.at, therefore the Medical University of Vienna does not offer any postgraduate diploma studies, master studies or organised trainings/fellowships/internships/residencies after the medical or dentistry studies.""}}
And after that they say for further information need to contact to respective Departments of various specialities.
My question to you was, does austria have any English program for residency?
And other is ARE there any places in EU where its possible to find PG(Residency) in english.
Thanking you in anticipation.

 

[fasttrack]

hi koustubha...namaste!
see i am directly touching the point without any formality! (i am sorry) as much i have a information about european post graduation or residency progrram, 1st of all its really difficult to find programm in english. its fact, acc, to me i will more surely say or suggest that it wil be really helpfull to you to find the proper place where you want to go and then to obtain the detail info about a perticular country. lets say about sweeden if you think about that then i am sure its not easy job as before shyrepte mention to get inn but its not impossible. the thing is 1st you have to apply for a job in manner to get a temparary licence and then get the work permitt and ofcorse a visa! but to achieve that one has to face a medical exam that too conducted by perticular hospital or organization, then you have to face a language test. in the case of sweeden i was directed that it will be just an interviwe whch is one part of process to get a visa while doing an interviwe they will check your language fluency! so here we go a plan for us! complite education obtain the diploma i mean russian, then face a mci examination in manner to get atleast temparary registration. because sometime they may ask for your home country registration then while studing now you can learn the language of perticular country where you interest as you know eropean countries have there own prospective language and culture.(so it will be better to deside where you wana land yourself, so you go more dipper and find out a proper language corse in kazan itself, and i think which wil be more better and wise thing to do than a spend the time) one should be very sure in fluency note this point because it plays main vital role in our proffesion and admission of residncy. for the datebase of each eropean country please visit http://www.helmsic.gr/residency-database/ where you can find many countries current information in detail for residency! i hope it wil help you. (meet me, so that we can share a lot) thank you!

 

[koustubha]

hi koustubha...namaste!
see i am directly touching the point without any formality! (i am sorry) as much i have a information about european post graduation or residency progrram, 1st of all its really difficult to find programm in english. its fact, acc, to me i will more surely say or suggest that it wil be really helpfull to you to find the proper place where you want to go and then to obtain the detail info about a perticular country. lets say about sweeden if you think about that then i am sure its not easy job as before shyrepte mention to get inn but its not impossible. the thing is 1st you have to apply for a job in manner to get a temparary licence and then get the work permitt and ofcorse a visa! but to achieve that one has to face a medical exam that too conducted by perticular hospital or organization, then you have to face a language test. in the case of sweeden i was directed that it will be just an interviwe whch is one part of process to get a visa while doing an interviwe they will check your language fluency! so here we go a plan for us! complite education obtain the diploma i mean russian, then face a mci examination in manner to get atleast temparary registration. because sometime they may ask for your home country registration then while studing now you can learn the language of perticular country where you interest as you know eropean countries have there own prospective language and culture.(so it will be better to deside where you wana land yourself, so you go more dipper and find out a proper language corse in kazan itself, and i think which wil be more better and wise thing to do than a spend the time) one should be very sure in fluency note this point because it plays main vital role in our proffesion and admission of residncy. for the datebase of each eropean country please visit http://www.helmsic.gr/residency-database/ where you can find many countries current information in detail for residency! i hope it wil help you. (meet me, so that we can share a lot) thank you!

Yeah for sure, we'll meet..
But though iam also such a responce frm him, iam mean shyrepte.))
So may be weekend i'll join you..

 

[Manarola]

Hi there Indiandoctor,

Not to discourage you but I would stay in the U.S. - you have many more opportunities and they are more accepting of foreign credentials. If your degree comes from outside the EU, then the process of getting liscensure can be problematic. You won't get a definite answer until you send in your application to the authorisation authority (http://www.safh.no/). The language issue can be taken care of in 1-1 1/2 years and you should qualify for free language tuition as your wife is a Norwegian citizen. This gets you through the formal language hurdles but by no means makes you fluent as that will take years.

I advise looking for work in academia. Check out the Norwegian Institute for Public Health. If you have special competence and are well-networked, you may not have any problems (http://www.fhi.no/). I've just known far too many highly qualified people come to this country only to be relegated to the unemployment lines for several years until they divorce or convince their spouse to move away. Things don't necessary work on a merit system here, you just need to get your foot in the right door and grab onto a secure job when you get the chance. Also, you may want to know, because of the financial crisis, all of the hospitals have instituted a full stop in accepting job applications, the health care system at the moment is in the process of being reorganised so there are discussions and growing pains associated with this, and as with other countries in the EU, Norway is tightening policies with regard to foreigners coming into Norway. While that doesn't pose a problem for you since you're married to a Norwegian, from a societal prospective, you should understand there are a good number of Norwegians who do not like foreigners in their country.

 

[shreypete]

LOL plz check when the OP posted his post (2005)

 

[Manarola]

Losersvilla....yeah that's about right shreypete. Sorry for actually disseminating any real information on this thread.

 

[shreypete]

I didn't say that it's bad or anything. If you're posting something for everyone, just address it to everyone rather than to a poster who posted it years back. Because other people will also start answering the post by addressing it to Indiandoctor...who's not really a frequent SDN user....so it would just be a waste of time. I hope I haven't offended you in anyway. And secondly, the whole thing with the losersvilla was a personal joke so you don't have an idea what you're talking out. Anyways I'll be more mature and refrain from arguing, because I'm already a med school student and I don't have to argue with some "pre-med" student.

 

[ttpdoan]

Hi all,

I'm a french student of medicine in the university of Zagreb in Croatia and will graduate in summer 2013 soon after Croatia becomes the 28th member of the european union. My wish is to specialize (starting by the turnus) in Norway and despite doing a lot of googling, reading, sending mails to safh and so on, I still don't know through which precise steps I should go through.

As an EU citizen and (future) EU graduate, I heard I would only have to pass the Bergentest (norwegian language proficiency test) with a minimum of 500 and I should be eligible then to apply for the turnus. Do you know anything about additional/mandatory courses I should pass (eg. norwegian social system etc...)? What would be the steps to go through?

Thanks a lot if you would have any hints or links I could explore !

 

[bidiboom]

Hi Ttpdoan,

There is a Norwegian graduate of Semmelweis/Hungary, he returned back to home, Norway, got his residency there and, to my knoledge, now works as a specialist. He is very sharing in his website and open to take e-mails to help other students, and as far as I know, its for free. This is his website (and contact info):
http://budapeststudent.com/about

Hope this helps

Hi all,

I'm a french student of medicine in the university of Zagreb in Croatia and will graduate in summer 2013 soon after Croatia becomes the 28th member of the european union. My wish is to specialize (starting by the turnus) in Norway and despite doing a lot of googling, reading, sending mails to safh and so on, I still don't know through which precise steps I should go through.

As an EU citizen and (future) EU graduate, I heard I would only have to pass the Bergentest (norwegian language proficiency test) with a minimum of 500 and I should be eligible then to apply for the turnus. Do you know anything about additional/mandatory courses I should pass (eg. norwegian social system etc...)? What would be the steps to go through?

Thanks a lot if you would have any hints or links I could explore !

 

[ttpdoan]

Thanks a lot, actually, I have already contacted him and he nicely answered some time ago, however since he's a norwegian citizen, the rules might be a bit different for him. He also mentioned the "lottery" system will be changed soon for a more classical one where we apply and wait our case to be processed and reviewed.

I'm in touch with safh (norwegian authority for health personnel) and will get to know more soon, I will write the infos I find out here for the next ones in a similar case

ps: the wisest move it to wait since everything is changing atm, you can go to http://www.safh.no/ then the upper right tab "lenker", then "Turnustjeneste" and "Informasjon om turnustjeneste for medisinske kandidater finnes under Yrkegrupper/Leger", the infos are updated over there live