It may well be because there’s a hiring criteria that Swiss employers have to meet before they’d be able to hire you. How much of this applies to the medical profession I don’t know though.
Hey man
I have read all your replies so far. I know it is hard to get the first job. Firstly as doropfiz & JackieH have mentioned: you have to acquire a B2 language certificate (in French or German), even if you aren’t fully proficient. But that’s bare minimum for getting a job. Before that, you don’t need to apply at all, as you won’t be getting job. With B2 language certificate- you are eligible to register yourself in swiss medical registry for GL Number - Again it’s compulsory & needed for your first job.
After acquisition of B2 certificate in French, I would suggest read this thread from beginning (broadly summarizing the steps, that you need to follow):
Step 1: Learn Swiss language upto B2 Level with a certificate at the end.
Step 2: Register yourself into Swiss Med-Registry & acquire GL Number.
Step 3: Get in contact with MEBEKO regarding Degree recognition. I assume you are non EU medical degree holder & aspiring to do your specialization here.
Step 4: Getting a job as Intern/ Resident doctor. For official rural hospitals/ clinics, choose recognized category C or Cat. D from:
They are usually in rural areas & dedicated hospitals with specialization program (later you can let it count as part of specialization program); filter out for French part/ Kantons of Switzerland. You can also see under each hospital - number of residency positions meant for swiss, EU & non Eu residents/ Assistanzärzte. Start with Psychiatry, easiest to get into & change it laterally, if doesn’t appeal you. And start as intern, which can get you a Assistanzarzt/ residency position with time.. (details I‘ve written in this thread.)
Follow other steps, you need for your specialization, which is individual for each branch & I have already mentioned the official link somewhere earlier.
So my suggestion FOR NOW: focus on your B2 French certificate than exhausting yourself in finding a job.
THERE ARE NO substitute OR SHORTCUT IN SWITZERLAND WITHOUT B2 CERTIFICATE.
I would happily reply you, if you have any further questions.
Have a pleasant evening
R
For language distribution in Switzerland, see the helpful map here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_Switzerland
Thank you guys so so much, I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of your help. You're right I should focus on getting my B2 (exam in 2 weeks, thankfully I'm fluent so I'll be fine). I guess the stress about my future is what's making rush into finding a job, or anything to cling on.
Also like previously mentioned, I already contacted MEBEKO and they gave me the 3 options, masters, or 3 years then exam, or 5 years of work. Guess I got carried away with trying to find something now so I don't lose any opportunities in the future.
Great that you're fluent. That bodes well.
If, for any reason, you don't pass the B2, ask the examiners or a language teacher to give you detailed criticism, so you can fix those things. If you whizz through B2, then go ahead and do the next levels, as far as you can push it.
Although B2 is all that required for the registration, and it is a good start, it isn't really adequate to read and write medical reports and discuss treatment modalities with a patient or with colleagues. Employers here know this. Therefore, any certificate you can produce showing your command to be better than B2 , will most likely increase your employability considerably.
If you don't already have people around you who speak the Swiss language you're working on, then try to find some near you, and ask if you could visit them once a week to practice.
Besides just googling what comes up locally, here are suggestions of how to find people who speak that language where you are: in the Swiss club, in the French/German/Austrian/Italian club (worth enquiring even in the "other" language group, too, in case there are bilingual people there) in cultural or trade-exchange organisations through the embassy/consul of a country, they may know of such groups/persons, in the relevant department at a university in the libraries, in case the librarian nearby knows who borrows books in that language and might be able to set up the connection, ditto in any news/press shop that sells international newspapers and magazines in any speciality shops selling [food] products of those countries/regions.
Hey all.
I am a EU graduate in the process of getting the MEBEKO direct recognition. Problem is, this process will take 3-4 months and in the meantime I have an interview lined up and I'm planning to apply for more.
My question is:
Can I work as Assistenzarzt with the recognition pending? Can I work in the internships "Unterassistent" or “Arzt in Praktikum” without having my recognition yet? How does one register with MedReg and get a GLN number exactly? Is it through MEBEKO or is it a seperate process?
Welcome to the Forum!
Although I admit that I haven't memorised all of the tips in this thread, I'd be surprised if those questions are not already answered further up. Yeah, I know, I know, some threads in fora seem not only long but old, and rather a lot to wade through.
However, I'd like to encourage you, Niother, to peruse this particular thread. Drremobond007 has made it into a masterpiece of detailed and specific information, and keeps it up-to-date for almost every case of people coming into Switzerland, wanting to work as doctors: citizenship EU or non-EU, qualifications EU or non-EU, and the permutations.
Good luck, and hope you soon get your papers, find work and settle in.
Thanks for the reply!
I have actually read the whole thread. It is a goldmine of information and we are all eternally indebted to Drremobond007 for all the hard work he put into it.
Unfortunately I was not able to find the answers to my exact questions (unless I'm being daft). Hoping for someone to shed some light, otherwise I'll report back with some hand-on experience.
Hey Niother
Depending upon hospitals/clinics & Chefarzt/interviewer, most of HR policies allows you to start directly as AA, assuming you did studied in EU country, an EU citizen & whole of process will end unproblematic.. but few of them offer for 2-3 months as unterassistent & change later into AA work contract.
My suggestion : Be patient for 3-4months, start knowing the hospital’s day today procedure in whatever position you get. Later on, it’ll be changed.
As I know, it’s one integrated process (Recognition + Registration in Medreg) for EU medical degree holders. You send all your docx & pay the fee together. But to be 100% sure: Plz confirm it with MEBEKO for latest info, as both the processes are handled by them. Otherwise I’ve mentioned in step 2 or 3 of this thread for medreg.
For non EU AÄ, it’s still separate processes.
Hopefully, It will help you.
Good night
R
FAQ
Hey Pilar
You’re welcome...
For registering non EU degree for GL number: one needs 1-1.5 months , but could vary on 1:1 basis. If they asked you for chf 800, (I assume,) it’ll be a positive response. This amount includes chf 100 for your language certificate (= you have the required language competency). So, I guess, you won’t have to repeat B2/C1. I would suggest wait for a while until you get a confirmation from MEBEKO before enrolling yourself into a language course.
So far I haven’t came across about age limitation for residency in Switzerland. For details, read/ translate about ophthalmology requirements:
https://www.siwf.ch/weiterbildung/fa...halmologie.cfm
If you think, you can do it then you need to get degree recognized for pacing your things up. Contact „FMH“ for recognition of opthal. degree, once basic medical studies/ bachelors degree from Columbia is recognized.
She did her ophthalmology program in Mexico. I can ask her if she could talk you or meet you in Bern city (convenient for her).
Although doing my 24hrs shift (day & following pikett night shift), I’m so inspired by your determination and passion, that I’m compelled to reply you happily on urgent basis..... Learning/ brushing up your mastered knowledge needs brief little time,I guess.
All the best & hats off
Good Night
M
FAQ
Hey Pilar
I don't know about Opthal. As I'm only resident in my current hospital during day. So, I have to cover up for them as well as, if both the resident doctors for nights shift are away... But in such situation, one is well compensated with off days & allowances in such underserved remote areas/ medical branches. Although, it became 36hrs shift at strech with not so much workload & I've too enough time esp. at night for doctoral thesis. So, I'm enjoying this part too.
Currently, I'm doing my second elective year in non surgical branch to be specialised internist. As part of surgical specialisation, one has a long list of surgical interventions to be done. Rare cases or surgeries usually extend the designated duration for chosen branch. For complete list of surgical procedure (for each surgical branch incl ophthalmology) to be done is available on https://www.siwf.ch/weiterbildung/fa...hwerpunkte.cfm
Please read about them over there.
I find the Swiss specialisation programs very flexible. You're trained ophthalmologist.. Let's say if you don't wanna continue in it, rather in orthopedics. You can find a new job in ortho & start working there. You document everything (internal, external lectures, conferences, thesis, list of surgeries done etc) in your e logbook, meant for each resident. As soon as you fulfill the requirements in ortho, you need to pass the multi-tier examinations (written & oral).. After passing them, you're orthopedician as well as..!
Once you are in the system. You'll understand it better.
As mentioned earlier, every detail is on: www.siwf.ch
Sure, I would let you know..
Have a nice weekend
M
FAQ
Hey Mastermind
Great to have your german language proficiency for frictionless work at hospital.
You don’t need to repeat your IM in CH
After acquiring your IM PG/Specialist degree >> get direct equivalent recognition in CH (assuming you have completed your Approbation process in Germany for your Indian MBBS degree). The concern authority in CH for recognition of your IM degree would be FMH (rest everything about Recognition is same as it’s mentioned in Step 3 or Step 4 of this thread).
Thereafter, you can apply in each individual hospital for post of Internist (mentioned mostly as Spitalarzt/ Belegarzt/ Hausarzt).
For opening your own private practice as Hausarzt: You need to additionally apply for Berufsausübungsbewilligung/ Professional Practice Permit in Kantonsarztamt, in whichever Kanton you wanna work. They will also issue you a Konkorrdantsnummer/ Concordance number for issuing/ settling of medical bills for/with cash registers or insurance firms.
Hopefully, it would help you.
Have a great day
Khalid
Hello Dr. Remo,
Thank you for your reply. Yes I have my approbation in Germany and I am a German citizen as well.
So to make everything clear, after completion of my PG from Germany I will register myself with Swiss-Medical Registeration and get a GL number. After that, I will apply for recognition of my MBBS degree with MEBEKO. Then, I can apply to hospitals as an Internist or a Facharzt ? Or is Internist job temporary just for testing my skills and after certain period I can work as a specialist? I am willing to work as GP only if specialist position is not available.
Also, do I need to give Federal Specialist Exam or any equivalence exam as you mentioned in Step 9?
Much Appreciated,
Vivek
FAQ
Hey Vivek
My pleasure
These both are good to have
I will write in simple steps/asaan bhasha mein
Step 1: Swiss-Medical Registeration and get a GL number (along with your C2 German certificate).
Step 2: apply to FMH with IM degree + approbation certificate/ confirmation letter. (Since you have already done the approbation process & it’s valid throughout EU as well as in CH. So,you don’t need to apply again through MEBEKO for Indian MBBS degree recognition.)
Step 3: apply for Berufsausübungsbewilligung/ Professional Practice Permit & Konkorrdantsnummer/ Concordance number in Kantonsarztamt. This step is meant for your own private practice.
Step 4: start applying to hospitals as an Internist or a Facharzt .
Once passed your specialization in EU, with degree at end, it’s assumed that you are competent Internist. Generally, internist as OA/ Facharzt job is not temporary one but it’s usually depends upon work contract conditions, spoken during your job interview. It’s duration is min. for 1year, but could vary.
Joining as GP/ HA is fully upto you, once you possess all needed legal papers for it.
As part of residency/ specialization in int. Medicine: there are 2 pathways - one as Hausarzt & second one as Spitalarzt/ Internist or 3rd could be FA in geriatrics in hospital. For details, read the Anhänge:
https://www.siwf.ch/weiterbildung/fa...in.cfm#i111097
It’s meant for those who are opting their specialization here in CH.
Have a nice evening
Khalid
Hi!
I'm a Spanish medical student, and I'm currently starting my 5th year (out of 6). I'm interested in Endocrinology, Cardiology, Pediatrics and Psychiatry. I'll finish the degree in June 2022.
To start one of those specialities, I should look for a spot in intern medicine, pediatrics or pshychiatry, I know.
Do you think I should start applying? Or is it too early for that? Should I start applying on my 6th year? It sounds a bit... komisch for me to apply for a job starting in 2 years time.
And for example, Endocrinology requires 3 years of intern medicine and 3 years of Endocrinology (I read it at FMH)... I should apply now or next year for the intern medicine spot, and then as soon as I start by intern medicine, apply for Endocrinology?
As for languages, I've got a certified C1 of German, and I'm planning to improve my French until I get a B2 or C1.
I'm trying to get an Erasmus spot at Lausanne University next year... I'd rather go to the German-speaking area but my uni doesn't have a programme with them
Do you think my chances are high that I easily get a spot to start in intern medicine, pediatrics or psychiatry right after my graduation?
Thanks!
Hey man
You are taking a lot of pressure about it.
With your EU degree apply in Switzerland would be very easy literally because of bilateral degree recognition.
Step 0: choose one specialization. All these have different pathways (read FMH for each one).
Step 1: Get Swiss medical registry & GLN
Step 2 a): If unsure, join Psychiatry, easiest to get into. start 6-9months (before your medical course finishes) from your wished joining date/ on in your 6year. It’s too early now.
Step. 2b): For other branches of your Interest, you can join Internal medicine. I guess, endo, cardio & pediatrics would count it as elective year/ Fremdjahr. And during this year, decide further. For details, read FMH & see the category of hospital institute on https://www.siwf-register.ch/
Step 3: Get your degree recognized through MEBEKO
Step 4: Fulfill the criteria’s according to the branch of your interest/choice (changing different hospitals according to categories, list of interventions, OPD hours, psychiatric counseling hours etc)
Step 5: Pass the Federal exam of Specialization (to be Facharzt).
I don’t know in details about Erasmus, but it doesn’t matter in specialization Program. It does matter upto Masters in Medicine (1st medical degree, i mean Bachelors & Masters).
Let me know, once you have done till step 1 or if you decide for psychiatry.
Hopefully, it might have relieved your anxiousness a bit for now.
Have a good night
Khalid
Dear Madam or Sir,
Thank you very much for posting these information. I have read your channel for a long time. I have some questions which I hope you could kindly give me some ideas at your convenience.
My wife is coming to Switzerland. She would like to work in the field of medical cosmetics in a private cosmetic clinic. She is currently a surgeon (specialize in breast surgery, holding a master's degree) in a hospital in our home country (Non-EU). While, the first head-pain question in our minds is, "is medical cosmetics a medical subjects here in Switzerland?" I think this question is easy, but we just want to know: do medical cosmetologists earn degree from medical school in Switzerland? If so, I guess she should step-by-step follow your instructions on "working as a medical doctor as a forgion medical student/doctor"? If not, what should she do?
I checked the webs of some institues in Zurich providing medical cosmetics training. But it seems that they provide continue training/education to cosmetologist or relavent workers. While, again, how could my wife become a cosmetologist first in Switzerland.
Huge thanks ahead!
FAQ
Hey man
You’re welcome
It’s really unclear to me what all degree she has so far. I assume that she has got her basic medical degree then basic surgical degree & thereafter a specialist degree in plastic surgery in your home country (non EU)
Then you need to follow same steps like any other non EU degree:
1. Learn german
2. Contact MEBEKO for GL number & FMH regarding Plastic or cosmetic surgical specialization degree.
Other details are same as I mentioned in this thread. Read from beginning of this thread.
Yes
Like said contact MEBEKO or FMH about recognition of all her degrees.
Hopefully, it will help you
Good night
Khalid
Hi everyone!
I'm a Spanish medicine student in 5th year out of 6. I have a C1 level of German, with a TestDaf certificate. I'm improving my French.
I'm planning to do my residency in Switzerland, in one of these subjects, and have some doubts about them:
1. Pediatrics. How "easy" is it to get a spot in Pediatrics as a EU-resident? And how easy is to subspecialise yourself in Neonatology, Endocrinology, Cardiology or ER? If you choose the path of hospital care, and you want to work in primary care as you get older, do you have to work again as an Assistenzarzt in Praxiskindermedizin?
2. Psychiatry (but I've read the requirements in the FMH website and I find it too complicated, with the whole theory learning in separate institutions...does the hospital help you organise it or do you have to find the whole courses by yourself and deal with calendar issues?)
3. Endocrinology or Cardiology (I've heard they are very difficult disciplines to get into, is it right? I know I must do 3 years of internal medicine before I get into these specialities, and I fear I could never get into them and get stuck in internal medicine, a speciality that I don't really enjoy).
Considering that I will graduate in 2022 and that I am probably going to do a short rotation in Summer 2021 in Switzerland...do you think I should start applying now? Should I wait until 2021? If so, should I look for the hospitals that offer, for example, the basic programme for Pediatrics and apply to them all, or look for job ads and ask the resposible for them if they also offer work starting in 2022?
If I start applying now, do you think they will accept an online interview or do I need to fly to Switzerland? It's very complicated in Covid-19 times, but already having a residency spot would be my dream. If this is unlikely, I could start applying next summer and use my rotation month to attend the interviews.
Thanks!