Working as a geriatrician in Poland

Today, the following situation has developed in Polish society. Young people, including medical professionals, are leaving en masse for countries with a higher standard of living, the population is aging, and there are not enough specialists to provide medical care for elderly citizens. Therefore, working as a geriatrician in Poland is currently a quite accessible option for foreigners.

Ukrainians and Belarusians should take advantage of this opportunity: the salaries of specialists with knowledge, skills, and experience in geriatrics in Polish medical and social institutions, even at the entry level, are significantly higher than in Ukraine or Belarus.

Scope responsibilities

Very broadly, a geriatrician can be described as a general practitioner for elderly and very old people. Like a therapist, they conduct examinations, establish a diagnosis, involve narrow-profile specialists when necessary, prescribe treatment, and provide long-term follow-up care.

The difference is that all of the above is carried out with consideration for the specific characteristics of this patient group. In particular, the following are taken into account:

• polymorbidity, that is, the simultaneous presence of several chronic diseases;

• previous injuries and surgical interventions that may affect the course of the disease;

• age-related changes in the body that make the disease course more complex or specific — loss of muscle mass and bone density, deterioration of hearing, vision, and cognitive functions;

• limitations on the use of certain medications and their combinations, as well as non-pharmacological treatment methods.

It is possible to obtain a job as a geriatrician in Poland in outpatient medical clinics, geriatric departments of hospitals, various types of nursing homes, and residential geriatric care centers — both public and private.

Who will be hired, and what can one expect?

Foreign specialists may apply for a geriatrician position if they:

• hold a medical university diploma and a certificate confirming completed training in geriatrics;

• have at least 3 years of medical experience working with elderly patients in their home country within the last 5 years;

• have a level of Polish language proficiency sufficient to carry out professional duties;

• hold authorization from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Poland.

Among personal qualities, the most important are conscientiousness, responsibility, kindness, patience, tactfulness, lack of squeamishness, a willingness to help patients regardless of their behavioral characteristics, as well as strong communication skills and the ability to work in a team.

Qualified candidates are guaranteed a salary starting from 7,500 PLN gross per month, additional pay for overtime and on-call duties, deferral of diploma nostrification until a stable income is achieved, and other important benefits.

You can learn more about this, as well as find a geriatrician job in Poland with excellent conditions in a short time and receive comprehensive support during employment and adaptation by using the services of our company.