Safavi Impact Institute Launches Free Medical German Course for Ukrainian Doctors

In the fall semester of 2025, the Safavi Impact Institute launched a free Medical German course for doctors from Ukraine, making it one of the few private initiatives of its kind in Austria. The course is designed for highly qualified medical professionals who wish to continue their careers in the Austrian healthcare system after fleeing their home country. It helps participants deepen their command of medical terminology, prepare for the recognition of their diplomas, and adapt their professional knowledge to Austrian medical practice.

All participants already possess a high level of German. However, they need to further expand their vocabulary and gain confidence in using medical terminology in their daily work.

The first group consists of five doctors: an anesthesiologist, two ophthalmologists, a general practitioner and a surgeon. Some of them are already working in medical practices, while others are still in the process of diploma recognition. The course is highly practice oriented and focuses on topics such as patient communication, medical documentation, writing reports and referrals, professional vocabulary and typical situations encountered in hospitals and clinics.

The launch of this course comes at a time when Austria is facing a growing shortage of medical professionals. According to the Austrian Medical Chamber, around 52,000 doctors were registered in 2024, yet the number of retirements continues to rise. Many regions, particularly outside major cities, struggle to fill positions, and in areas such as general medicine and anesthesiology, the pressure is increasing. As a result, patients often face longer waiting times, while the workload for existing medical staff continues to grow.

In this context, the initiative has proven to be of great value not only for the participants but also for Austrian society as a whole. The program of the Safavi Impact Institute responds to two urgent needs: the shortage of qualified professionals in the healthcare sector and the desire of Ukrainian doctors to put their skills to meaningful use and rebuild their professional lives in Austria.

The free Medical German course opens new perspectives for these doctors as they shape their future. It also strengthens a healthcare system that depends on dedicated and well trained professionals. In this way, language support becomes a lived form of integration and a quiet but meaningful contribution to maintaining high quality medical care in Austria.