Working in Poland

[factory]

I have a question regarding working in Poland, after studying in Poland. I am thinking of going to Medical university of Lodz (4 year program).
Can anyone tell me if I will be able to practice in Poland after studies? My wife is from Lodz, and is also a physician. We both want to get out of the US ASAP. Even though we will make less money, she is sick of all the lawyers and the med mal ** here.

If anyone could shed some light on this subject I would appreciate it very much.

Regards,
Mike

[azskeptic]

Originally Posted by factory

I have a question regarding working in Poland, after studying in Poland. I am thinking of going to Medical university of Lodz (4 year program).
Can anyone tell me if I will be able to practice in Poland after studies? My wife is from Lodz, and is also a physician. We both want to get out of the US ASAP. Even though we will make less money, she is sick of all the lawyers and the med mal ** here.

If anyone could shed some light on this subject I would appreciate it very much.

Regards,
Mike

considering that your wife still has Polish citizenship you should be able to gain some documents to allow you to work also. Contact the Polish medical licensing folks at:

Ministry of Health
Ul.Miodowa 15
PL - 00-952 WARSAW
tel: +48-22-826.0947
Fax: +48-22-826.2103

[KWBum]

Studying and living in a foreign country gives one tremendous insight....insight that is unforeseen, and cannot be gained by marrying someone from a different country, spending a few weeks in Europe, or even spending a few months there, for that matter.

Take things one step at a time.

Go to med school. See how medicine is practiced and taught in Poland. See how life is there vs in the USA...not on vacation, but the daily grind. Gain insight into the politics (both national, and within medicine) and the culture. Learn how achievement is viewed and rewarded. Do senior med school clinical rotations in the US. Compare.

Then, and only then, begin to make informed and rational decisions about the expat life.

[azskeptic]

Originally Posted by KWBum

Studying and living in a foreign country gives one tremendous insight....insight that is unforeseen, and cannot be gained by marrying someone from a different country, spending a few weeks in Europe, or even spending a few months there, for that matter.

Take things one step at a time.

Go to med school. See how medicine is practiced and taught in Poland. See how life is there vs in the USA...not on vacation, but the daily grind. Gain insight into the politics (both national, and within medicine) and the culture. Learn how achievement is viewed and rewarded. Do senior med school clinical rotations in the US. Compare.

Then, and only then, begin to make informed and rational decisions about the expat life.

Very rational advice and correct....4 years is a long time to make the decision. His problem probably is that his wife is working in the US now...if he decides to go to Poland to go to medical school, will she follow? issues like that are serious human issues...these type of things puts lots of stress on one's marriage,career decisions,etc. Those of us who watch you med students have to be amazed at how you guys do this...lots of risks, change, stress.....az skeptic

[factory]

Thank you for the wonderful advice. I am in a very strange situation. I am a in a very prestigious accounting firm now, about 5 years from partner.
I hate every second of my job and cannot think of anything else besides medicine. I have wanted to become a doctor ever since I can remember.
My wife is currently a PGY1 here in the US, and she wants to do a fellowship in Endocrinology. She has not decided if she will do a fellow in Europe or in the states. A lot depends on my decision to go to med school.
Currently both of her parents are MD’s in Poland and her brother is neurosurgical resident in Poland as well.
It is a lot of stress on us both, because my wife hears from me all the time, how bad I want to be a doctor. It is not for the money or the fame, it is purely a calling I have to treat people. The reason for going to Europe is pretty simple, I cannot get into a US school, and we both love Europe very much. The only realistic way I can become a MD is going to Europe and perusing my passion there. As far a practicing there, I am really open, and that is honest answer. Having my family physicians here in the US I know that it is getting bad. Currently we have over 20 states in full blown medical mal practice crisis. The MD lifestyle in the US is not what is was, and is on a downward spiral.

Only time will tell, and I do truly appreciate your honest and thoughtful feedbacks.

Best Regards,
MDF

[factory]

Can a person like myself practice in Poland after a 4 year MD from Medical University of Lodz, or do I have to do a 6 year MD. I have a BA from the US, so I would perfer to do the 4 year MD.

[euromd]

the european standard is a 6-year degree. i too have an undergrad and entering a 6-year program so i understand your reasons for not wanting to do 2 extra years.

However, with your wife being polish, it should be easier for you to get a polish passport and citizenship, thus EU citizenship, and work anywhere in the EU (provided you speak the language) will MUCH less ** than with your US passport accompanied by a 4-year MD.

-S

[Miklos]

Originally Posted by factory

Thank you for the wonderful advice. I am in a very strange situation. I am a in a very prestigious accounting firm now, about 5 years from partner.
I hate every second of my job and cannot think of anything else besides medicine. I have wanted to become a doctor ever since I can remember.
My wife is currently a PGY1 here in the US, and she wants to do a fellowship in Endocrinology. She has not decided if she will do a fellow in Europe or in the states. A lot depends on my decision to go to med school.
Currently both of her parents are MD’s in Poland and her brother is neurosurgical resident in Poland as well.
It is a lot of stress on us both, because my wife hears from me all the time, how bad I want to be a doctor. It is not for the money or the fame, it is purely a calling I have to treat people. The reason for going to Europe is pretty simple, I cannot get into a US school, and we both love Europe very much. The only realistic way I can become a MD is going to Europe and perusing my passion there. As far a practicing there, I am really open, and that is honest answer. Having my family physicians here in the US I know that it is getting bad. Currently we have over 20 states in full blown medical mal practice crisis. The MD lifestyle in the US is not what is was, and is on a downward spiral.

Only time will tell, and I do truly appreciate your honest and thoughtful feedbacks.

Best Regards,
MDF

Are you aware that recent grads from med schools in the region (Poland included) are fleeing their home countries for possibilities in Germany, Britain and elsewhere?

As bad as the MD lifestyle might be in the US, it is certainly many times better than the MD lifestyle (with a few exceptions) in EE.

[factory]

Originally Posted by Miklos

Are you aware that recent grads from med schools in the region (Poland included) are fleeing their home countries for possibilities in Germany, Britain and elsewhere?

As bad as the MD lifestyle might be in the US, it is certainly many times better than the MD lifestyle (with a few exceptions) in EE.

I am very aware of this issue in poland, and many other eastern Eu countries. The plan would most likely be to do my MD in Poland and then depending on the econ at that point either stay or go back to US, or england. As I stated before, my family is in Poland(all Md's) and the salaries are gone up almost 200% in near by countires since EU. With ant luck, Poland will follow!!

Thanks for the advice.

[Miklos]

Originally Posted by factory

I am very aware of this issue in poland, and many other eastern Eu countries. The plan would most likely be to do my MD in Poland and then depending on the econ at that point either stay or go back to US, or england. As I stated before, my family is in Poland(all Md's) and the salaries are gone up almost 200% in near by countires since EU. With ant luck, Poland will follow!!

Thanks for the advice.

I wouldn't count on that. I think that KWBum's advice is quite solid.

Good luck.