Medical Pilot Project in Hungary: 19 More Graduates

Another 19 graduates of a pilot program have completed their medical studies in Hungary and are now beginning their training as medical specialists in Saxony. According to the Saxony Association of Panel Physicians, all of them completed their studies with outstanding grades. They will later help ensure medical care in rural regions of the Free State of Saxony.

The program began in 2013. Interested students with a high school GPA of 2.6 or higher can apply to study medicine in German at the University of Pécs. Their tuition is covered. In return, they commit to working as general practitioners outside the cities of Leipzig, Dresden, Markkleeberg, and Radebeul after completing their studies and obtaining their specialty certification. Currently, 40 study spots are awarded each year as part of the project.

To date, there have been around 250 participants—eight of whom are already practicing as specialists.

Health Minister Petra Köpping (SPD) states that the program is a success story. According to the Association of Panel Physicians, 178 young doctors are currently in the academic phase of the project, while 65 others are completing their specialty training. Eight graduates are already working as specialists for their patients.