Assistant doctor
An assistant doctor, also known as a doctor in training, is someone who has completed their medical studies, received a license to practice medicine and is beginning further medical training in a particular specialty. Their most important tasks include the medical care of patients as well as health promotion, prevention and rehabilitation under the supervision of more senior doctors.
In addition, the assistant doctor is responsible for coordinating care across sectors to ensure the best possible patient care.
Specialist doctor
A specialist doctor has completed further training in a specific specialty and has been awarded the title of specialist in this specialty. The tasks of a specialist differ from those of an assistant doctor. They independently carry out routine examinations, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for patients. They also carry out medical consultations for patients from other specialist departments. They also coordinate the assistant doctors and support them in their further training at the hospital.
Senior physician
A senior physician is a specialist who has several years of professional experience in his or her field. He takes responsibility for the treatment of patients, especially those with complex clinical pictures, and coordinates the specialists and assistant doctors. In larger hospitals, the senior consultant is usually assigned to one section.
Leading senior physician
The leading senior physician is an experienced senior physician who acts as a deputy to the head physician. The duties and responsibilities of the senior consultant lie in the treatment of complex clinical pictures with complicated treatment procedures, as well as in the coordination of all senior physicians.
Head physician
The head physician is the head of a specialist department in the hospital. He or she bears overall responsibility for all medical and administrative processes, including the further training of assistant doctors.
International doctors in Germany
There is a great need for doctors in Germany, especially senior physicians and specialists. Due to the shortage of German professionals, the demand for international professionals is high. An international doctor must pass three examinations to obtain a license to practice medicine in Germany: First, he must pass the general language test B2 as well as the specialist language test to prove his ability to communicate with patients, their relatives and medical staff. He must then successfully pass the knowledge test (only people with degrees from outside the EU). By submitting further documents (e.g. medical degree certificate, certificate of good conduct), he will then receive a German license to practice medicine, which will allow him to work in Germany and continue his training in the specialist field of his choice.