Universities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: 90 Students Pursuing Rural Medicine Via Ministerial Quota
According to the Ministry of Health, 90 students are currently studying medicine at the Universities of Rostock and Greifswald with the intention of serving rural areas in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern for at least ten years post-graduation. These spots were obtained through the rural doctor quota introduced in 2021, as revealed by State Secretary of Health Sylvia Grimm during her speech at the GP Day in Rostock recently.
Owing to the anticipated doctor shortage in rural areas, the state parliament set aside 7.8% of all medical study places in the north-east annually for applicants who commit to practicing in rural areas after graduation. No A-level is necessary for these placements, with approximately 30 spots available each year.
Grimm highlighted that the enlistment of young doctors to work in rural areas was a shared responsibility of the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, the Association of General Practitioners, and the State Ministry of Health. Grimm explained further that making rural areas more alluring for young individuals and families was essential. This could be achieved by offering amenities like free nursery places, excellent schools, reliable Internet connections, and diverse cultural and sporting activities.
Additionally, Grimm emphasized the necessity of strengthening specialized training in rural areas. She implored GPs to participate in this development by facilitating more specialized training in their practices.
Did You Know?
If you aspire to study medicine with the intention of serving rural areas in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, consider applying for a spot through the rural doctor quota at either the Universities of Greifswald or Rostock.
To apply for a medical study place with the rural doctor quota in these universities, take note of the following general steps:
- Meet Admission Requirements: Ensure you meet the requirements for the medical program at the University of Greifswald or Rostock, which typically include a high school diploma, specific grades, and in some cases, entrance exams like the Abitur.
- Understand the Rural Doctor Quota: This quota is designed to attract students interested in practicing medicine in rural areas. Watch out for additional requirements or preferences, such as a background in rural areas or an expressed interest in rural medicine.
- Application Process: Apply online through the university’s portal, providing essential personal and academic information, as well as required documents like transcripts and certificates.
- Meet Additional Quota Requirements: Provide additional documentation or statements if required, such as a personal statement outlining your fascination for rural medicine or letters of commendation from rural healthcare professionals.
- Address Language Requirements: Since the medical education is often conducted in German, ensure proficiency in the language. You may be required to submit proof of German language proficiency, like the DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) or TestDaF.
- Meet Submission Deadlines: Submit your application in advance to avoid missing deadlines. Late submissions are generally not accepted, and competition can be intense.
- Follow Up: After submitting your application, follow up to confirm receipt and inquire about your application status.
- Attend Interviews or Assessments: Some universities conduct interviews or assessments as part of the selection process. Be prepared to discuss your motivation for studying medicine, your comprehension of rural healthcare challenges, and your plans for rural practice.
For detailed application requirements and specifics for the University of Greifswald or Rostock, visit their official websites or contact their admissions offices directly.
More Information
- University of Greifswald:
- University of Rostock:
- German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD): (for general information on studying in Germany)
By adhering to these steps and meeting the specific requirements for the rural doctor quota, you can increase your chances of being granted admission to a medical study program at either university.
