Country doctor wanted – The people of Woldeg are puzzled about the shortage of doctors

16.08.2012 17:31

Is the location perhaps simply too unknown for there to be no new family doctors? The people of Woldeg are puzzling about this. | In a joint initiative, Ärzte Zeitung and the AOK Federal Association are campaigning for a country doctor to settle there again quickly. The exemplary search for a country doctor for Woldegk in Mecklenburg was started at the end of May.

Why does your small town have problems finding young family doctors? The Woldegkers aren't sure. Woldegk is probably simply too unknown, they speculate. Otherwise, they are convinced of the advantages of their small town: “The only thing Woldegk is missing are more family doctors,” says Karola Kroll, an administrative employee in the town. The Doctors newspaper - as the only daily newspaper for doctors - presents the Woldegkers' perspective in a recent article: women and men of different ages and professional groups were asked about their location and the shortage of doctors there.

For the people of Woldegk it is puzzling why no young doctor wants to settle with them: “The surrounding area is very attractive – pure nature with water and forest,” says F. Hartwich, an employed pharmacist in Woldegk. And 21-year-old I. Trottnow is certain: “Woldegk has a lot to offer, but it is still too unknown.” B. Erdmann, a 50-year-old local innkeeper, sees the situation a little more critically: improved infrastructure such as increased public transport and more tourism is needed, because “financial incentives alone are not enough.” The infrastructure is also impressive: “Top childcare, schools, clubs, leisure activities,” lists K. Kroll. “Maybe it’s also the fear that not enough patients will come,” speculates 31-year-old T. Straube. However, the large number of patients in the Woldegk practices could quickly dispel this fear.

Martina Rosenau has a very practical suggestion: “Doctors should do a trial week in Woldegk,” she recommends. The 45-year-old is convinced that new family doctors will then be interested in the place.

The detailed article from Doctors newspaper from August 16, 2012 as well as more about the “Country Doctor Wanted” campaign can be found here. Also available Movie1 and Movie2.