Practicing in EU

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

phillytx

New Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Aug 18, 2012
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
New to the forum so I apologize if my question is in the wrong area.

I just started a five year pediatric neurology program and am very interested in having the option of practicing overseas, preferably in the EU, after I finish my training. Some things I am especially curious about:

1) What specific countries or cities might be best for me to look into working?
2) Are there certifications or licenses I can work to obtain ahead of time that would make this transition easier?
3) Do you recommend working in the U.S. first before moving overseas or is it better to work to find a job in Europe as soon as my fellowship is over?

Thanks in advance!
 
As far as I know, US MD does not translate over in the EU. So unless you're doing volunteer work, there is no way to practice in the EU without completely redoing residency, exams, etc...
If anyone knows any different, please correct me. This might be all hearsay.
 
That is correct. Let's take France, for example. At a minimum a US MD would have to take all the French boards (in French) as well as a French language proficiency exam to prove he's equivalent to a French MD. Keep in mind the French MDs are extremely proud of their degree, which requires a research thesis and defense in public. The French medical training system is notoriously Darwinian and they don't have much regard for foreign MDs unless you're somebody famous.

And then after getting a license from the government, US MD can only work in a public hospital, never in private practice. The salary will also be much lower than French doctors.

The system will treat a US MD no differently than an MD from Africa.

I know a Romanian MD who has worked in France for years. That's how she was treated as a foreign MD until Romania got admitted into the EU. And literally overnight her salary went up because of certain treaty obligations France has with the EU. She is a FP in a rural area of France. Her patients need her service, but they sure are xenophobic as heck.
 
Top