MEDIgration symposium – Building bridges for the professional integration of international healthcare specialists
MEDIgration is a symposium organized by the Freiburg International Academy dedicated to the professional integration of international healthcare professionals. It is a leading forum for promoting cooperation between major actors from politics, medicine, education and integration. Together, solution strategies are discussed to meet challenges in the healthcare sector.
Goals of the symposium
MEDIgration aims to promote the professional and social integration of international doctors, dentists, pharmacists and nurses in Germany. The conference focuses on the exchange between political decision-makers, labor market players, medical professionals and integration experts on innovative approaches to meet the increasing demand for medical personnel in Germany. Through knowledge exchange, joint projects and innovative strategies, the symposium aims to:
- Accelerate and standardize recognition processes of foreign professional qualifications.
- Establish sustainable integration pathways into the German healthcare system.
- Strengthen the culture of welcome and community in German society.
- Ensure comprehensive patient care, including in rural areas.
Highlights of MEDIgration 2024
The second MEDIgration, which took place on September 13, 2024 at the Konzerthaus Freiburg, focused on tackling the shortage of healthcare professionals, particularly in rural regions.
With the ideational support of the Baden-Württemberg Hospital Association and the Office for Migration and Integration of the City of Freiburg, around 150 guests took part in the symposium – including representatives from local politics, the healthcare sector and relevant authorities.
Important items on the conference program included:
- Panel discussion on the opportunities and challenges of healthcare in rural areas
- Presentation of pioneering FIA Academy projects such as the Freiburger Bund and the Ausländischen Landarzt.
- First presentation of the FIA Awards in recognition of outstanding contributions to the integration and qualification of international healthcare professionals.
Highlights of MEDIgration 2017
The first MEDIgration took place on October 13, 2017 at Heidelberg City Hall. Over 100 participants from various professional groups – including employers in the healthcare sector, professors and teachers, international healthcare professionals and German junior doctors – came together to discuss the needs and challenges of international professionals in the German healthcare sector.
Co-organized by the IQ Network Baden-Württemberg and supported by the City of Heidelberg, the event offered in-depth insights and professional exchange.
Important program topics of the conference included:
- Compilation of recommendations from different perspectives on the professional integration of international doctors.
- Call for the creation of a nationwide network to support international healthcare professionals.
