For more doctors in the countryside: The Saxon family doctor scholarship has the next generation in mind

30.10.2023 14:00

At the beginning of October, many of the Saxon high school graduates started studying medicine. In order to enable future general practitioners to study more financially independently, the Free State is once again awarding scholarships to Saxony's young doctors this year.

From the October 1st to November 15th 2023 This year, students of human medicine who are enrolled at a German university can once again apply for the Saxon family doctor scholarship. The scholarship holders receive monthly funding of 1,000 euros from the Saxon State Ministry for Social Affairs and Social Cohesion for the duration of the standard period of study. After completing their medical studies, they complete further training to become specialists in general medicine in order to then practice for at least six years in rural areas of Saxony, i.e. outside the cities of Dresden/Radebeul and Leipzig/Markkleeberg. During their studies, the students also enter into a sponsorship with a family doctor's practice in Saxony, where they spend 24 days per year and can thus gain their first practical experience.

Since 2013, up to 20 students have been supported annually as part of the scholarship program. The funding measure is aimed primarily at medical students who already have a binding confirmation of a place at a university or who are enrolled at a German university for a maximum of the 6th semester.

The financial resources for the scholarship are provided by the Saxon State Ministry for Social Affairs and Social Cohesion, while the administration of the study program is organized by the Saxony Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians to promote young talent.

What requirements exist for the award of the scholarship, what the funding conditions look like in detail and much more information about the Saxon family doctor scholarship can be found on the KV Sachsen's website for promoting young talent at: www.nachwachsenaerzte-sachsen.de

Health Minister Petra Köpping:

“Family doctors are indispensable. They are the first point of contact for all health issues for our citizens. Being a family doctor is demanding but also very fulfilling. It's not a job, but a calling. Adequate and comprehensive medical care is an absolute priority throughout Saxony. I would be happy if young medical students decided to work as family doctors in rural areas in Saxony. In doing so, you make a valuable contribution to medical care, social cohesion and, above all, to the people of Saxony.”

Dr. med. Klaus Heckemann, CEO of KV Sachsen and a practicing family doctor:

“Funding programs such as the Saxon family doctor scholarship are an additional component in the financial support of medical students on their way to becoming a family doctor. This gives them the opportunity to fully concentrate on their studies. Well-trained young doctors are the foundation on which future medical care is built, especially in the rural regions of our Free State.

With targeted, long-term support for young talent, we as KV Saxony, together with the Ministry of Social Affairs, want to create an incentive for students to experience rural areas as an attractive living environment and at the same time to ensure medical care in Saxony with their future work.”