Many foreign doctors who provided valuable assistance in French hospitals today find themselves in an uncertain situation, despite their commitment and dedication. Following the end of the exemption regime linked to the Covid-19 crisis, nearly 1,900 practitioners lost the right to practice, leaving a worrying void in hospital teams. Among them, Karima, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon of foreign origin, talks about her struggle to continue practicing in a hospital in the Paris region. Despite his undeniable experience and skills, administrative obstacles and regulatory changes complicate his professional situation.
Doctors qualified outside the European Union, called Padhue, today find themselves faced with a difficult reality. Having worked in French hospitals for years under precarious status, their continued employment is now compromised due to the expiration of the exceptional regime. The need to pass knowledge verification tests (EVC) to hope to continue practicing creates additional uncertainty for these health professionals who find themselves waiting for their situation to be regularized.
Karima, with her expertise in general surgery, comes up against administrative requirements that sometimes seem contradictory and unfair. His experience and involvement in French hospital services should be taken into account, beyond formal diplomas. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, she remains attached to her profession and to her patients, feeling useful and determined to continue her mission as a caregiver.
Beyond the administrative issues, the portrait of committed and passionate foreign doctors emerges, ready to brave the difficulties to practice their profession and contribute to the health and well-being of patients. Their determination and dedication deserve to be recognized and supported, in order to preserve a precious resource in the French medical landscape. Solidarity and listening to these foreign healthcare professionals are essential to guarantee optimal patient care and maintain a quality and inclusive healthcare system.