Medical profession in Lower Saxony: Urgent appeal for patient safety!

Medical profession in Lower Saxony: Urgent appeal for patient safety!

On December 1, 2025, the debate about the recognition of doctors from third countries will be reignited. The Federal Ministry of Health plans to speed up the recognition process, which is not only of interest to many doctors, but also to the entire healthcare system in Germany. The Medical Association of Lower Saxony (ÄKN) in particular welcomed this step, but warns of a possible reduction in the quality of these procedures. The President of the ÄKN, Dr. med. Martina Wenker, it is important that the safety of patients continues to have the highest priority.

There are currently around 5,489 doctors from third countries working in Lower Saxony, which makes up around 15.3% of the entire medical profession. These doctors often completed their training in countries outside the EU. In comparison to the guaranteed quality of German medical training, an individual review of the training content is of central importance. [aekn.de].

Growing need for doctors

Given the ongoing shortage of doctors, the job opportunities for foreign doctors in Germany are extremely good. Many are actively looking for opportunities to work here. The licensing authority is the first step towards a medical career in Germany. Since the Recognition Act came into force on April 1, 2012, the license to practice medicine can be applied for regardless of nationality. This law has opened a door for many that was previously closed. bundesaerztekammer.de explains that responsibility for professional access issues lies with the licensing authorities of the individual federal states.

However, the requirements should not be underestimated: While doctors from EU countries, EEA countries and Switzerland benefit from a simplified procedure, specialists from third countries have to go through a complex, individual examination. This includes, for example, comparing curricula and training courses as well as taking a knowledge test, the content of which is based on the German state examination (M3). aerztestellen.aerzteblatt.de further explains that the examination content covers, among other things, internal medicine, surgery and emergency medicine.

The challenges of recognition

Despite the opportunities, the recognition procedures bring with them some challenges. Processing times can take up to four months, causing frustration for many applicants. In addition, the requirements for German language skills are quite high: a C1 level is required for approval, which represents a hurdle for many. The examination of health and personal suitability is also part of the process, which is generally perceived as extensive.

The ÄKN chamber assembly has therefore passed a resolution that not only advocates for rapid processing, but also points out the need to ensure the quality of the testing procedures. Aekn.de calls for a nationwide and reliable procedure, inspired by the German state examination, to ensure both efficiency and safety in medical care.

In summary, it can be said that the coming months could be decisive for how the integration of foreign doctors into the German healthcare system takes place. The focus here will be on the right balance between quick recognition and patient safety.