How the Eiffel District attracts young doctors to the countryside – SWR Aktuel

The Eiffel District of Beitburg-Pruem is doing something about the impending shortage of doctors in the countryside. With scholarships he supports two potential physicians. In return, they should study abroad and practice at the Eiffel for 10 years.

Theresa Florath has been studying medicine in Verna, Bulgaria for two weeks. In fact, he would rather study in Germany.















“I prefer to stay in Germany because it’s easier to organize and you can see friends and family more quickly and flexibly.”

But the number of classes and a few university places makes it almost impossible. It is difficult to study in neighboring countries because of the cost.

Scholarship makes it possible

Medicine studies are still being carried out because of the fact that the Eiffel district of Beatburg-Pruem is true. As the shortage of doctors is expected in the coming years, the district has awarded two scholarships to female medical students.

The district provides scholarship holders with 48,000 euros for the study costs. To do this, they would have to study abroad and, after completing their studies, work as country doctors in the Eiffel District for 10 years. An opportunity for which Theresa Florath is very grateful.



Country Doctor Scholarship holder Theresa Florath is studying medicine in Verna, Bulgaria (Photo: Theresa Florath)

Country Doctor Scholarship holder Theresa Florath studies medicine in Varna, Bulgaria



Theresa Florath


“The scholarship is a great gift for me. I’m glad I got it and am now able to realize my dream here.”

Difficult course

Theresa Florath of Sirzenich graduated from high school in 2017 and then spent a volunteer social year in oncology at Trier Brothers Hospital. But then all of a sudden it didn’t go any further. The medical examination threw a spanner into the work, so he studied molecular and human biology for lateral entry into medical studies. But that didn’t work either.



Selina Snyder, a Medical Scholar from Hattingen, Eiffel, studying in Vilnius Lithuania (Photo: Selina Snyder)

Selina Snyder, a Medical Scholar from Hattingen, Eiffel, studying in Vilnius / Lithuania



Selina Snyder


Like Theresa Florath, Selina Snyder had a difficult path to her medicine. He also applied to the Eiffel district of Beitburg-Pruem. Until recently he lived in Huntingen and is now studying human medicine in Vilnius, Lithuania.















The doctors of the country

In the Eiffel District of Beitburg-Pruem, 38 percent of practicing physicians are over 60 years of age and will retire soon. According to the Rhineland-Palatinate Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, there are currently not enough young people to replace all these doctors.

The motivation for the scholarship was an application from the SPD parliamentary group in the Eiffel district of Beitburg-Pruem. The district has announced that two more scholarships will be advertised in early 2022.

Go where help is needed

Both scholarship holders have no problem practicing in the Eiffel District for 10 years after graduation. Theresa Florath says practicing in the country is not a restriction for her. He was never concerned with the big hospital case, but to help where he needed help.

Leave a Comment