Medical work and continuing education in France

Area: 672,352 km², population: 64.4 million (as of 2008)
16.20 % are older than 65, 65.20 % are between 15 and 64 years old, 18.60 % are younger than 14. The capital is Paris; the official language is French.

The general health insurance, called the Régime général d’assurance maladie, is financed by deduction from wages. Most employees are automatically insured via the national health insurance. Most French people, however, have an additional private insurance.

The study of medicine takes about nine to twelve years and is offered by about 40 French universities. The practical part of further training is completed at university hospitals (Centres Hospitaliers Universitaires – CHU). There are three parts to the study of medicine, the PCEM, DCEM and Internat (specialist training). After the basic medical education, students can decide between the Residant (specialist training for general medicine, lasting approx. two years) and the Internat (specialist training lasting approx. four to five years).

To be admitted to specialist training, students have to pass the Concours d’internat – the better the result, the more eligible for the preferred place in the preferred city. Medical doctors from the EU are also allowed to take part in the Concours, but must show proof of three years medical practice and are subject to a special selection procedure. The Concours takes place once a year.

Faisant Fonction d’interne (FFI-positions) are positions which were not filled by French trainees. Foreign trainees may apply for such positions (for a period of six months), no exams are necessary. At the end of March and September, prospective trainees may apply for these positions with the Chef de Service (head of the department).

All medical doctors who plan to practice medicine in France have to register with the Ordre National des Médecins.

• Conseil National de l`Ordre des Médecins
• Association universitaire francophone et européene en medicine et odontologie (AUFEMO)
• Association nationale des étudiants en médecine de France (ANEMF)
• Centre National des Concours d`Internat

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