From Heart Surgeon to General Practitioner - From heart surgeon to rural GP: One doctor’s bold career shift in Germany
Umes Arunagirinathan, once a heart surgeon, is now retraining to become a general practitioner in Heiligenrode, Lower Saxony. The move comes after a change in career plans and aims to address the shortage of rural doctors in Germany.
Arunagirinathan's journey is a testament to his adaptability. After fleeing Sri Lanka's civil war at age 12, he immigrated to Germany and studied medicine in Lübeck. He worked as a resident in cardiac and vascular surgery at Hamburg-Eppendorf University Hospital. However, his career as a heart surgeon did not progress as hoped, leading him to consider becoming a general practitioner.
His new role will involve daily tasks such as prescribing medication, checking blood pressure, and making house calls. Arunagirinathan plans to stay in the region after his two-year training, aiming to open his own practice. He also has plans to start a podcast on medical topics, tentatively titled 'With Dr. Umes'.
Arunagirinathan's approach to patient care is unique. He addresses his patients informally and avoids wearing a white coat to be more approachable. This personal touch, coupled with his extensive medical knowledge, has led him to appear as a guest on multiple television talk shows and author six books, including three Der Spiegel bestsellers.
Arunagirinathan's transition from heart surgeon to general practitioner is a significant step in addressing Germany's rural doctor shortage. His approach to patient care, coupled with his extensive medical knowledge and personal story, makes him a valuable addition to the region's healthcare scene. After his training, he plans to open his own practice and start a medical podcast, further contributing to the community.
