Hassan passed the test

In 2016, the National Board of Health and Welfare selected Umeå University to design, account for and implement a national programme of proficiency tests for doctors of medicine with training outside of the EU and EEA. The objective of the tests is to, within a reasonable time, safely assess and license doctors with foreign degrees in order for more doctors of medicine to join the Swedish medical profession.

"When I passed the proficiency test, I was soon able to find a placement. I got lucky on the first interview, and will be working here for six months. Then I'll be able to apply for a medical licence through the National Board of Health and Welfare," says Hassan Baqer, who grew up in Sweden and hence has what he calls 'the advantage of speaking Swedish'.

Hassan Baqer took his medical degree in the US at Ross University in Florida. During his medical education, he underwent clinical training at hospitals in Florida, New York, Michigan and Illinois.

"When I was training at an emergency unit in Queens, New York, I realised that I wanted to specialise in emergency medicine. I enjoy the demands set on me as a doctor in that field – the quick decisions and swift assessments," he says, and is planning on specialising in emergency medicine, preferably at an emergency unit in his home town of Malmö.

Hassan Baqer took his medical degree in the US, at Ross University in Florida.

PhotoKennet Ruona

In 2016, when Hassan Baqer moved back to Sweden, he found out that Umeå University was going to offer proficiency tests that same year to replace TULE – a validation test that had previously been offered by Karolinska Institutet. Contrary to the TULE test, the new test validates knowledge in doctors of medicine who have already gone through a foundation programme. That means that the new test sets higher demands on qualifications, at the same time as it offers a faster route into work.

According to Hassan Baqer, the proficiency test is well set out. Together with other people who have already completed or are planning on taking the test, he is now a part of a Facebook group in which doctors support each other in providing advice. In the group, he often emphasises how important it is for doctors of medicine with a foreign background to be proficient in Swedish when they take the tests.

You don't need to be on a native level, but it's so important that I really recom-mend people to take a 3–4 month intensive course in Swedish first. I also often say that optimism and patience is important.

Hassan Baqer can relate somewhat to the criticism some people have directed at the proficiency test, suggesting that the theoretical part was too hard. Since some people have long experience as specialists, it can be difficult to remember what they once learnt in the basic courses.

"It's really good that this fast track has been set up, and it's nice to see so many people moving forward. I'm pleased to hear when someone passes one of the sub tests, because I know myself how good it felt!"

Text: Daniel Harju, Markus Välimaa
Translation: Anna Lawrence
Photo: Kennet Ruona

This article was first published in the magazine Think no. 1 2017.