Maria, a Child Psychiatrist from Greece Working in Sweden
Maria is a child and adolescent psychiatrist from Greece, who participated in MediCarrera’s language course in Calafell in January 2014, together with her husband and two children. She started working in Kalmar, Sweden in June 2014.
Why Sweden
“Sweden is a family-friendly country, which is very important for me. I was looking for work abroad, and actually, it was Sweden that chose me because I got a proposal from MediCarrera.
Another significant benefit, which I experienced only once I started working here, is the working conditions. It’s much easier for me to work in Sweden.”
The Process With MediCarrera & the Study Tour
“I was looking for work abroad online, and MediCarrera got in touch with me. During the process, I had an interview in Sweden and a language course in Spain. I really liked MediCarrera’s staff; they helped me understand the entire process and each step in detail.
My first visit to Sweden was when I had the job interview. Since I lived in big and chaotic Athens, the city seemed small and quiet. The hospital was also different in comparison to the one I worked in back home. But I liked it.”
Professional Growth
Maria’s current role at the hospital is chefsöverläkare, which means she is in charge of the patients that need to be hospitalized but also makes important decisions regarding the department together with the Head of Department.
“When I started working here my role was not the same as it is now. A year ago, I got promoted. It was not easy to take on additional responsibility, but at the same time, it’s a challenge that I was happy to accept.
In Greece, there aren’t many resources. I am delighted with the working conditions in Sweden. I can work in my field and in the conditions I like. I also have more patients here and more time for them than I did in Greece.”
Family Inclusion in MediCarrera’s Program and Family Life in Sweden
“My entire family was satisfied with the family inclusion in the language program. My husband got a good basic knowledge of the language during the language course, which was very helpful for him when we moved.
Family life in Sweden is all about quality, which really makes the difference. I have more time for my family. My children have a lot of free time after school, and at the same time, the education system is very good.”
Maria’s Advice
“I encourage other doctors to work in Scandinavia as well, particularly in Sweden. However, keep in mind that even though it’s easy for doctors to find jobs in Sweden, it might be more difficult with other professions.
There are a lot of well educated/qualified doctors in Greece. And I am proud that I did my specialization there. However, the quality of life and the working environment in Sweden are giving you the opportunity to work and live under better conditions.”
If you’re interested in becoming a part of the Scandinavian public healthcare register here.