So, this is it, the return to Saarland.
After a somewhat eventful and prolonged journey; DHL lost my train tickets; my plane was cancelled at short notice; booked online tickets with Eurostar / TGV / Deutsch Bahn whilst on my way to London; telephoned and booked a hotel room in Paris; I can greet you from Germany. Highlight of the journey was definitely the TGV driver appologising that the train could only manage 280km/h due to the icy weather and then deciding to travel at 310km/h anyway!
I've come back to Saarland (south west Germany) for several reasons.
Firstly, I made some really great friends here back in spring 2011, when I had the opportunity to complete an exchange semester here. This was a truelly blessed and influential time, and I am extremely grateful for it. It's been fantastic to be able to catch up with some of these including those from church (instant warm welcome and lunch invitation - love it!), friends from work, and friends from halls ('gudd Gess' has been shared!).
Secondly, I've had a job interview here. The interview was for the department of Nephrology (kidney medicine), one of the departments I studied within whilst here on placement. I sent off an application a few weeks back and they said that they were interested in hearing more - hence my determination to get here! Thankfully, the interview went really well and I've been accepted! The head of department was approachable and open, telling me more of what to expect and the challenges and opportunities ahead. My previous supervisor also came and put in a good word for me (I have retrospectively rewarded him with fine scotish whisky and M+S shortbread). So, I've got a few formalities to sort out with the administration, however once that's sorted I'll be able to receive the contract. Unexpectedly, my second year of the UK foundation programme may also count towards my speciality training, shortening the process by a year and letting me enter at a higher pay-grade (score!).
Thirdly, I needed to figure out the German equivalent of the General Medical Council. This has proven to be the challenge of the trip so far... They required 13 legal documents, after a lengthy discussion I managed to persuade the administration to accept 2 of the documents I had brought with me. Turns out I need to become good friends with a notarist in order to legally recognise and translate my certificates, scripts and legal forms into a legislatively acceptable format. I think there may also have been further miscommuncation during the meeting, as I had to spend several minutes persuading them that I was infact a real practicing doctor inspite of not having an MD. Definite character building experience!!! (although nothing that a combination of pray with coffee + german cake can't fix). I have admin lady's email address and will be in further contact. I seems possible to get everything together, it'll just involve quite a bit of hassle, time and expense.
So, it's great to be back in Germany. Job is set and the language skills are coming back. Sadly, lots of the students are away or in exams at the moment. Encouragingly my church pastor tells me that quite a few new christian medics have started this year. A christian medical group has also recently been founded. Also, incredibly excitingly, I have discovered that a russian speaking congregation have started to meet in the town - Mega Awesomah!!! Looks like there will be plenty of opportunies for Christian medical fellowship and improving my russian language skills!
After a somewhat eventful and prolonged journey; DHL lost my train tickets; my plane was cancelled at short notice; booked online tickets with Eurostar / TGV / Deutsch Bahn whilst on my way to London; telephoned and booked a hotel room in Paris; I can greet you from Germany. Highlight of the journey was definitely the TGV driver appologising that the train could only manage 280km/h due to the icy weather and then deciding to travel at 310km/h anyway!
I've come back to Saarland (south west Germany) for several reasons.
Firstly, I made some really great friends here back in spring 2011, when I had the opportunity to complete an exchange semester here. This was a truelly blessed and influential time, and I am extremely grateful for it. It's been fantastic to be able to catch up with some of these including those from church (instant warm welcome and lunch invitation - love it!), friends from work, and friends from halls ('gudd Gess' has been shared!).
Secondly, I've had a job interview here. The interview was for the department of Nephrology (kidney medicine), one of the departments I studied within whilst here on placement. I sent off an application a few weeks back and they said that they were interested in hearing more - hence my determination to get here! Thankfully, the interview went really well and I've been accepted! The head of department was approachable and open, telling me more of what to expect and the challenges and opportunities ahead. My previous supervisor also came and put in a good word for me (I have retrospectively rewarded him with fine scotish whisky and M+S shortbread). So, I've got a few formalities to sort out with the administration, however once that's sorted I'll be able to receive the contract. Unexpectedly, my second year of the UK foundation programme may also count towards my speciality training, shortening the process by a year and letting me enter at a higher pay-grade (score!).
Thirdly, I needed to figure out the German equivalent of the General Medical Council. This has proven to be the challenge of the trip so far... They required 13 legal documents, after a lengthy discussion I managed to persuade the administration to accept 2 of the documents I had brought with me. Turns out I need to become good friends with a notarist in order to legally recognise and translate my certificates, scripts and legal forms into a legislatively acceptable format. I think there may also have been further miscommuncation during the meeting, as I had to spend several minutes persuading them that I was infact a real practicing doctor inspite of not having an MD. Definite character building experience!!! (although nothing that a combination of pray with coffee + german cake can't fix). I have admin lady's email address and will be in further contact. I seems possible to get everything together, it'll just involve quite a bit of hassle, time and expense.
So, it's great to be back in Germany. Job is set and the language skills are coming back. Sadly, lots of the students are away or in exams at the moment. Encouragingly my church pastor tells me that quite a few new christian medics have started this year. A christian medical group has also recently been founded. Also, incredibly excitingly, I have discovered that a russian speaking congregation have started to meet in the town - Mega Awesomah!!! Looks like there will be plenty of opportunies for Christian medical fellowship and improving my russian language skills!
In summary - I'm seeing many opportunities as to how I can serve here in Germany. There will be many opportunities to learn more about people, my strengths and waekness, langauge(s) and cultures. The present frustrations are useful to me as they will prepare me for what is to come. It's also a great humbling experience and will allow me to serve others much better and to learn to rely on and work hard to honour God. Just need to remember this when they say in the administration tells me in their direct manner - Nein, das ist unmoeglich!
