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Germany has a highly effective healthcare system that uses the latest treatment methods and modern medical instruments. The need for a new generation of medical personnel is on the rise as many doctors are on the verge of retirement. There is a shortage of doctors mostly in Eastern Germany and in rural areas. There is a high demand for general practitioners as well as family doctors. Germany is looking for young medical professionals, so this is a great opportunity for aspirants to become a part of the German health service. As of 2023, there are 63767 foreign doctors in Germany, with a significant portion of them hailing from non European Union countries. If you are considering of moving to Germany to work as doctor, this article is a complete guide for you.
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Job Responsibilities of Doctors in Germany
There are a wide range of career opportunities for doctors in Germany. You can work in hospitals, clinics, healthcare centres, home care services, etc. You could also work independently as a local doctor in your own medical facility. Apart from professional fields such as medical research and teaching, public health departments, and health insurance companies, the private sectors also recruits doctors. You could also work as a scientist in medical technology or the pharmaceutical industry.
The German Medical Association (Bundesärztekammer) is the central organization in the system of medical self-administration in Germany. All doctors work under this association.
The responsibilities of doctors are as follows:
- The primary responsibility of all doctors is to take care of the safety of patients. They should diagnose, educate, and treat patients to ensure that they have the best possible care.
- They have to perform diagnostic tests, recommend specialists for patients and document patient’s medical history.
- Doctors should answer patients’ questions and address their concerns before, during, and after examination and make make them feel safe.
- They have to prescribe medications, recommend therapies, or even perform surgeries to alleviate the patient’s condition.
- They are responsible for reporting births, deaths, and other contagious diseases to governmental authorities.
- Doctors often work as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with nurses, specialists, and other professionals to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for their patients.
- It is the responsibility of doctors to continuously engage in professional development activities to stay up-to-date with the latest medical advancements
Note: Doctors in Germany, especially general practitioners, are known for offering house calls. It’s quite common for elderly or ill patients who can’t visit the clinic to have doctors visit their home.
Doctor Salary in Germany: A Comprehensive Analysis
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There are several factors, like specialty, experience, gender, specialty, place of work and number of work hours, that determine the salary of doctors in Germany. There are four different kinds of hospitals in Germany: community hospitals, university hospitals, private hospitals, and hospitals operated by a church or religious organization. It is classified depending on who operates them. Moreover, your net salary includes taxes and insurance, so the amount you get in hand will be less than that mentioned in your contract.
The average starting salary of a doctor ranges from around €5,000 to around €7,000 per month depending on the specialty. The estimated total pay for a Doctor is €67,005 per year in the Germany area, with an average salary of €65,000 per year. The estimated additional pay is €2,005 per year. Additional pay could include cash bonus, commission, tips, and profit sharing. Moreover, doctors working for public sector in Germany earn 5% more than their private-sector peers.
Jobs in Germany, including that of doctors, are often divided into 2 different categories: The global and the hourly categories. Global salary positions offer a set salary without any consideration to the worked time. The average hourly salary (pay per hour) is 52 euros.
A doctor’s salary largely depends on work experience. Those who have five years of clinical experience earn 32 percent more on average than freshmen & junior doctors through all sectors and specialties. Those with over five years of experience earn 36 percent more on average.
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Start Learning GermanDoctor Salary in Germany as per Specialty
| Specialty | Average Salary |
| Assistant Pathologist | 4,720 EURO |
| Behavioral Health Specialist | 3,940 EURO |
| Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist | 15,300 EUR |
| Clinical Psychologist | 11,400 EURO |
| Dermatologist | 10,600 EUR |
| Dietitian | 7,210 EURO |
| Emergency Department Physician | 8,460 EURO |
| Forensic Pathologist | 9,550 EURO |
| General Medicine Practitioner | 7,070 EUR |
| Mental Health Therapist | 6,100 EURO |
| Neurologist | 11,100 EURO |
| Obstetrician/ Gynaecologist | 10,300 EURO |
| Ophthalmologist | 7,880 EURO |
| Optometrist | 7,430 EURO |
| Paediatrician | 8,940 EURO |
| Physiotherapist | 6,950 EURO |
| Psychiatrist | 6,890 EURO |
| Psychologist | 9,570 EURO |
| Pulmonologist | 9,010 EURO |
| Radiologist | 9,790 EURO |
| Urologist | 13,200 EURO |
Salary for Trainee Doctors in Germany
The salary structures of trainee doctors don’t differ too much in the first year of employment. The doctors will roughly get 4000 Euro per month, and after 3 to 5 years this can grow to more than 5000 Euro per month before tax. With additional training towards a specialist, a doctor can start in a university hospital at around 5600 Euro per month, increasing to a maximum of less than 7000 Euro per month in 12 years. Not only do the new doctors in their first year earn less than twice the average national salary in a hospital, but they also need to work more hours.
Perks and Privileges of Doctors in Germany
In addition to the basic salary, doctors enjoy bonuses and various other benefits.
- Health Insurance: Doctors enjoy extensive health insurance benefits, ensuring comprehensive care for themselves and their families.
- Paid Leave: German doctors benefit from generous leave policies. There is a great emphasis on the medical professionals’ work-life balance.
- Bonuses: Doctors in Germany receive bonus based on their performance and service.
- Learning Opportunities: Germany places a strong focus on continuous professional development, thus supporting doctors in further education and specialization.
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Start Learning GermanConclusion
Aspirants who are planning to practice their profession in Germany, can proceed with full confidence. The salary range, perks, and the work-life balance are enough to attract you towards your dream job. Germany is considered to be a “dream destination” especially as it contrasts the underpaid medical field in India.
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