The post- graduate internship is a vocational training of a postgraduate nature; it is an additional requirement that applies after graduation, if a graduate wants to practice in Poland. It is not part of the medical or dental studies and it is not under the supervision of the Medical University.
To commence the internship in Poland a graduate should apply to the Regional Chamber of Physicians and Dentists for a “Right to practice the profession awarded in order to complete the internship”. This authorization to practice as an intern is granted for a period of maximum 5 years – during this period the internship should be commenced and duly completed.
To commence the internship in Poland a graduate has to speak Polish. Under the Polish Act on the profession of doctor and dentist (Dz.U.2017.125 -j.t.) and the Regulation of the Minister of Health from September 26, 2012 on the postgraduate internship of a doctor and dentist in force starting from January 1st, 2017:
Alternatively, it is possible to undertake an equivalent internship abroad.
To commence the internship abroad no specific consent from the Polish competent authorities is required and the Polish right to practice the profession is not needed.
Any arrangements regarding finding a place to take up this equivalent internship abroad as well as obtaining the required authorization (e.g. registration with an authority that supervises exercise of medical profession) to commence such an internship abroad are to be taken care of by the graduate. Neither the Medical University nor the Polish Chamber of Physicians or Dentists provide assistance in this respect.
Afterwards one should apply to the Minister of Health for recognition of the internship completed abroad as equivalent to the internship in Poland.
Useful contact:
Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists
Centre of Recognition of Qualifications
International Co-operation Department
Marek Szewczyński – legal advisor
Phone.: +48 22 55 91 309
Fax: +48 22 55 91 323
e-mail: m.szewczynski@hipokrates.org