For Maarten Theunissen from the Netherlands, the process of working as a general practitioner in Norway started with a meeting about Scandinavia organized by BKV. These sessions provide an easy way to learn about working as a doctor in Norway and Sweden. Along with a group of fellow physicians, Maarten listened carefully to how his goal could become a reality.
And then it started
Turning a dream into reality requires several steps. BKV connected Maarten with Dignus Medical, and one of the first tasks was to provide two professional references.
“And then, it was a bit of a waiting game,” Maarten recalls.
Learning the language
Once his references were checked, Maarten could take the next step: learning Norwegian. He started Dignus Medical’s free language course, which took him approximately 13 months to complete.
“You learn the language with a teacher through video calls and an online learning portal that explains Norwegian grammar step by step. I had 45-minute online lessons three times a week and also studied independently,” Maarten explains.
He found Norwegian relatively easy to learn, especially since the sentence structure is similar to Dutch.
“I would describe Norwegian as a mix of English, German and Dutch. It’s difficult at first because everything is new, but after a while, you just grow into it.”
“Of course, the best way to improve is once you arrive in Norway and have to speak Norwegian every day.”
“Norwegians understand that you’re from abroad. It’s not a problem if you occasionally use an English word. They truly appreciate that you’re making the effort to speak Norwegian!”
A country of rules
Maarten quickly learned that Norway is a country of rules. Administrative processes can take time, sometimes even several months.
For example, registering as a Norwegian citizen and obtaining his fødselsnummer (Norwegian social security number) took two weeks. Since this number is required to open a bank account and apply for an ID card to work, it’s important to plan ahead and be prepared for these procedures.
A wish came true: Maarten is now working as a general practitioner in Norway.
With nice weather on the terraces!
Now settled in Norway, Maarten is working as a general practitioner near Mandal in southern Norway – and he’s loving it.
“Norwegians are social people; they’re always up for a chat and enjoy sharing their stories. When the weather is nice, everyone heads outdoors. The terraces are full, and you meet plenty of people when you go for a walk,” he says.
Social life is important in Norway, and work-life balance is prioritized.
“You are not expected to stay late at work. When your tasks are done, you go home to enjoy your afternoon and evening.”
How it works
The Norwegian health care system is very similar to the Netherlands. The general practitioner in Norway has the same gatekeeper function as in the Netherlands. Patients in Norway come to the GP with similar complaints.
“The biggest difference is the workload. I now have 20 minutes per patient and my working day is from 8am to 3pm.” Another difference is that more procedures are performed in the clinic. Such as intravenous medication or removing of a melanoma. Reports of illness also go through the general practitioner instead of a company doctor.
“I work in Norway as an locum GP which is quite normal here. Ranging from a week to a year. Everything is possible. A subsequent observation is waiting for you. But you can also take a few weeks off in between.”
Tips from Maartin:
- Listen Norwegian radio. For example P3.no. In the beginning you’ll understand 10%, but that increases quickly.
- Watch 113 on NRK to improve your medical Norwegian. This is a show that follows the Norwegian ambulances/paramedics. You learn many medical terms and non-medical terms that are often used in daily life.
- Plan plenty of time for everything. Like your medical registration, learning the language and requesting your personal number/social security.
This article was first published by Lizeke de Clerck – BKV