Over 500 Macedonian doctors in Germany — first congress in Solingen

More than 500 doctors from North Macedonia are currently working in Germany, and interest in moving there remains high. On November 9, 2026, the newly formed Association of Macedonian Doctors and Dentists in Germany held its first congress in Solingen, bringing together physicians and dentists who now practice across the country.

The gathering had a professional programme — covering patient safety, diabetes and modern cardiac surgery — but participants said the emotional value of meeting colleagues who left the homeland was equally important. "We have never gathered before as colleagues who have left the country and meet together for the first time. From that aspect it is something that is very, very valuable for us," said Katerina Hufendik, an ophthalmologist.

One of the association's founders, occupational medicine specialist Blashko Dimkovski, noted the event's unusual reception in Germany and described the group's plans: "I am not aware that until now 'in a foreign country a certain group of professionals agreed to hold such an event in that country and that it was recognized by the local medical chamber'." He added: "I suppose that once a year we would hold one main central congress in Germany and that a central congress would be held in Macedonia as well. Webinars and online workshops are planned, where every colleague will be able to attend. Physical presence offers a great opportunity above all for socialising."

Language and licensing: the biggest hurdles

Many speakers emphasised that learning the German language and passing professional language exams are the main obstacles on the road to a medical position in Germany. "In Macedonia I started with learning the German language, I reached about level A2, then in Germany I continued with further education and learning the language. At the beginning it was frustrating, because you face a new language, you cannot communicate with people, and it was really frustrating. After obtaining the certificate for knowledge of the language at level C1 it became much easier. That was the main prerequisite for me to reach my workplace. A big challenge was also taking the so-called Fachsprachprüfung (an exam that in essence checks the person's ability for communication and expression in everyday medical work), an exam within the Medical Chamber, in my case in Münster, to obtain a licence to work. After that things somehow arranged themselves and everything was easier," said anaesthesia and intensive care specialist Naum Geshtakovski.

The experience of younger arrivals varies. General practitioner Ivana Minovska-Arapov, who arrived in Germany three months ago, praised the support from Macedonian colleagues already practising there while she waits for her licence. She recounted warnings from peers back home — "When you go to Germany, there will be nobody" — but said reality was different and that the time needed to obtain a licence depends on the federal state. Asked whether Germany is a promised land, she replied with a smile: "The promised land is the country in which you find yourself."

Speakers said professional development and clearer pathways for specialisation in Germany were decisive factors for many. "Germany offers good conditions, offers good education, congresses so we can advance in the profession and I am satisfied with what Germany has provided me so far as a trainee and now as a specialist," said pulmonologist Dushko Dimitrievski, another founder of the association.

The Macedonian diplomatic mission in Germany welcomed the initiative. Ambassador Ilber Sela delivered a greeting in Solingen: "The motto of this congress 'Medicine connects' carries a powerful message: medicine as a humane science knows no borders. It joins people, unites knowledge and builds strong bridges of cooperation. This association proves exactly that — building strong links between our experts in Germany and health institutions in the homeland. It also enables exchange of experience, mentorship among new generations and raising patient safety to the highest level. As an embassy and as diplomatic representatives we remain fully committed to supporting your networking, your scientific initiatives and any projects aimed at improving health care."

Organisers said the next congress is planned for Nuremberg and could include greater participation by colleagues from North Macedonia. For now the association intends to develop in-person and online activities to help members navigate licensing, share professional knowledge and strengthen ties between German and Macedonian health systems.

Photo: osnovachite na Asocijacijata na makedonski lekari i stomatolo