A total of 50 scholarships were advertised as a measure against the increasing shortage of panel doctors. A jury decides who gets the chance.
Students of human medicine from the 3rd year of study at all Austrian universities were allowed to apply. The only exception is the Sigmund Freud Private University, which recently had its accreditation for its master’s degree withdrawn. For the scholarship, they must also be willing to work for at least five years after their graduation as a panel doctor in general medicine, paediatrics, child and adolescent psychiatry, gynecology/obstetrics or psychiatry/psychotherapeutic medicine in a region in which the ÖGK has advertised for a cash office.
30 women and 30 men applied for the 50 places, according to the OeAD – Agency for Education and Internationalization responsible for processing on APA request. When making the selection, the motivation to work full-time as a doctor in the above-mentioned subjects in a region in need of the ÖGK, social commitment (e.g. in rescue or aid organizations or in the nursing or social sector) and previous academic success (duration or average grades) are decisive . Applicants are expected to be informed of the jury’s decision in March. There is no legal entitlement to the grant. According to the OeAD, it is still open whether there will be another call.
The scholarship is initially awarded for twelve months, but it can be extended to up to 42 months if the studies are successful. It should primarily go to students at public universities. The funding must be repaid if the studies are not successful, the training is not completed or the work as a statutory health insurance doctor is not started in time or not practiced long enough.
Source: Nachrichten
