Working in Europe

Members do not see these Ads. Sign Up.

I live in the USA but my wife and I are entertaining the idea of living in Europe. I see in previous postings that getting good work in England is very difficult. We are focused on W. Europe, but not specific at this point. Can anyone pitch in their 2 cents about which countries have the broadest scope of surgical privileges and not averse to professionals immigrating to their country? Your responses are greatly appreciated. We are having a difficult time getting info.
Frank
Bend, OR USA

 

Hi Frank,
Hmmm that's a tough one! Everywhere's different. Might be worth having a look at the FIP web site and contacting each countries association who might be able to advise more. UK performs surgery but I am unsure about how they recognise a DPM (wish we had equal reciprocity as it would make life a lot easier!). Might be worth just contacting the Faculty of Surgery to get the low down. Another point is the language barrier, although in Western Europe this shouldn't be a huge problem. Have you thought of Spain? I know they do surgery there and some of their schools have had good relations with NYCPM, and so might be more amicable with DPMs. There's also a large English speaking 'aging' ex-pat community on the southern Spanish coast who you could target. Also Malta and Portugal are good options too. Might also be worthwhile making enquiries to the Irish association. Europe on the whole is far behind the US re surgical privileges, lots of law changing required in many countries, which hopefully will get amended at some stage. Having said that you might be able to get round a lot of red tape seeing that you guys are classified as Doctors, and thus you may have the same rights as them??? It's confusing!

Hope this has helped, cheers.

 

Thanks for the input. We heard second hand from a freind that Spain is extremely challenging, but that was second hand, perhaps we should start a proper inquiry. I was under the impression that privileges were limited in comparison.
What is the FIP?
Gratefully,
Frank

 

Yes it is worthwhile making more enquiries about Spain. However I am under the impression a lot of the surgery done there is minimally invasive. They seem to be big on that. The FIP is Federation of International Podiatrists www.fipnet.org You might find some useful contact addresses on there. I would recommend you contact the President of the Federation Robert Chelin DPM, great guy and Canadian based. He is very knowledgeable and I am sure he can provide you with the correct information.
Cheers and Merry Christmas!

 

Thanks Harry,
that is a very good start.
Happy Holidays to you and your family.
F