Sustained interest in Saxony's rural doctor program

The interest in studying medicine with a subsequent career as a rural doctor in Saxony continues. There are more than two applicants for each of the 40 places on the so-called rural doctor program for the coming winter semester. According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, a total of 104 applications were received by the state directorate.

The rural doctor quota was introduced in 2022 due to the shortage of doctors in structurally weak regions. This makes it possible to study medicine without an A-level, combined with the obligation to work as a GP for ten years after graduation and specialist training in an underserved or threatened region of Saxony.

Social Affairs Minister Petra Köpping (SPD) explained that the number of applicants shows that the rural doctor quota is an important building block for securing medical care in the Free State. She sees this development as a clear sign that many young people want to take on responsibility and can imagine working as a GP in the countryside. "This is an important signal for the future of medical care in our state."

Rural doctors to combat shortage of specialists beyond the cities

The demand for medical study places via the rural doctor quota has exceeded the supply every time so far - 67 young men and women applied for the first round, followed by 119 and 130 in the two subsequent rounds.