Guide to practicing as a physician in Greece
Navigating medical licensure in Greece involves complex procedures and regulatory frameworks. The Canadian Hellenic Medical Society supports Hellenic medical professionals in understanding and addressing the requirements for practicing medicine in Greece, and advocates for clearer pathways and improved recognition of qualifications for those returning from abroad.
1.
After Secondary School
Greece offers direct-entry medical programs at seven public universities. Admission is highly competitive and based on performance in the Panhellenic National University Entrance Exams (Panellinies / Πανελλήνιες Εξετάσεις). Greek nationals, including those residing abroad, are eligible to sit for the exams.
International students may apply to one of four English-language MD programs offered by Greek public universities. These are tuition-based six-year programs designed for non-Greek speakers, with instruction fully in English.
2.
After Post-Secondary Education
Greece does not currently offer accelerated or graduate-entry medical school programs for students who have completed undergraduate or post-secondary education.
3.
After Medical School
Upon graduation, all physicians must complete one year of compulsory primary care service (commonly referred to as “αγροτικό”) in rural or semi-urban health centers. This applies to both Greek and international graduates.
After completing this service, junior physicians join waitlists for specialty training, which are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no entrance exam or point system (mória) for residency allocation.
Canadian-trained physicians must:
- Obtain academic recognition of their degree through the Hellenic National Academic Recognition and Information Center (DOATAP).
- Register with the Panhellenic Medical Association (Πανελλήνιος Ιατρικός Σύλλογος) to obtain a license to practice.
- Register with the local medical association where they intend to work.
- Provide proof of Greek language proficiency at the B2 level, unless they can show Greek-language secondary education or Greek professional work experience.
- Obtain a Greek tax identification number (προσωπικός αριθμός).
4.
After Residency or Fellowship
Physician specialists who have completed their training outside the EU must apply for specialty recognition through the Central Health Council (KESY / Κεντρικό Συμβούλιο Υγείας) under the Ministry of Health. This process includes submission of detailed documentation verifying training equivalence, duration, case experience, and language.
The CHMS is actively advocating for automatic recognition of Canadian medical specializations in Greece, similar to recent provisions for U.S.-trained physicians.