Over the years, there has been a persistent stereotype that it is not possible for medical students upon graduation to work as medical doctors in Russia.
In recent times, however, that narrative has thankfully changed. It is, in fact, possible for you to work as a doctor here.
From the information gathered, landing a job in medicine is very achievable. You know we don’t gatekeep when it comes to beneficial updates, so follow the following instructions diligently, and who knows? You might just land a doctor role.
The first hurdle people are usually scared of crossing is the hurdle of residency (ordinatura). Well, you don’t need residency to practice. Sure, it gives you a significant edge in specialization, but even without it, you can still secure a job as a general practitioner.
At the end of medical school, you are typically required to write two main exams:
- State Accreditation Exam (ГОС exams): This is compulsory and gives you the “doctor” title. Unfortunately, this is where many foreign graduates stop. You are called “Dr.” but are unable to legally practice.
- Accreditation/Licensing Exam: This is voluntary but crucial, as it grants you the legal right to practice in Russia as a general practitioner. Many people avoid writing it because they fear its difficulty, which is often a mirage. It is very achievable.
The exams are FREE (at least while you are still enrolled in medical school). The Licensing/Accreditation exam is made up of three parts:
– Objectives (Theoretical Questions)
– Zadachi (Situational Questions/Case Scenarios)
– Skill Set Test (Practical Skills)
You can ace the first two parts by diligently studying with the медиктест арр and master the Skill Set test by using the Методический центр аккредитации fmza.ru. All these sources are officially approved by the Russian Ministry of Health.
Once you have secured your license and can speak Russian proficiently, you can start applying for jobs. You might get a few rejections—that’s normal for any job application process.
However, to maximize your chances, you need to be proactive and not rely solely on online applications:
1/ After applying on job sites, don’t just wait to be called. Take the initiative to call the health organizations to follow up on your application or inquire about current vacancies.
2/ You can physically visit the organization where you want to work. Walk in, let them know you are interested, and specify your role to find out what vacancies they have. You should know exactly what job you are going for beforehand.
The Documentation Hurdle and Optimal Timing
Be aware that hiring a foreigner can sometimes be challenging due to complex documentation requirements. Some employers may not want to deal with the hassle of immigration papers, so prepare your documents to be as straightforward as possible to present.
You will most likely see more vacancies from June to September. This window is optimal because many residents are graduating, and hospitals are actively trying to recruit new staff.
Experience vs. Timing
If you have up to three years of experience, you will likely see vacancies all year round. However, for entry-level positions requiring zero to three years of experience, you will find most opportunities within that crucial June to September window.
As for the Accreditation Exam itself, it is very likely written all year round (it has been written in August and October, for example). You don’t have to be in school to write it. You can register and be given a venue. Always check the official accreditation site to verify specific dates and registration procedures.
Work Environment and Language
The working conditions largely depend on the specific place you work and the leadership of your department. In general, the environment is not hostile. Your colleagues are normal, and working with younger medical staff can be quite fun.
As a foreigner, you are likely to encounter interest and curiosity rather than negativity. People are often excited to know where you are from and why you chose to come here.
The biggest barrier would be your language proficiency; if you are able to bridge that gap and speak Russian well, you will have no issues fitting into your role and thriving.
~
E-Solutions is committed to the African community in Russia. Message us on WhatsApp if you are not yet seeing our updates.
If you want to get help on the latest apartment spaces, job listings, and sending packages to and from Russia, you can join our Telegram community for Africans living in Russia.
Also, keep up with the latest news and ask your questions about the newest updates on our information channel. #ESolutionsDeyForYou
Read our recent posts here:
MY EXPERIENCE WITH REGISTRATION ISSUES AS A FOREIGNER IN MOSCOW