INTERNSHIP

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:

1. All graduates, who completed the studies in English and want to practice in Poland as a medical or dental doctor, have to pass the exam of Polish language conducted by the Polish Chamber of Physician and Dentists. It is obligatory for all graduates including Polish and EU citizens.
2. A fee is required for any certification issued by the Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists upon the request of the holder of the MD or DMD degree concerning the procedure of recognition of the MD or DMD qualifications in the EU countries.

The fee for one certificate is calculated as the 3% of the minimum salary in Poland in the year of the certificate issue. In 2016 it was 55.50 PLN

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