Important information
Proposed by
Target audience
Requirements
Where is it?
Training while working for specialist doctors or specialist pharmacists
What is it?
Do you have a diploma authorizing you to work as a specialist doctor or specialist pharmacist in a country outside the European Union OR have you started your specialty in one of these two sectors?
You can apply for a Diploma of Specialized Medical Training (DFMS) or for a Diploma of Advanced Specialized Medical Training (DFMSA). These diplomas make it possible to follow theoretical training and practical training courses.
- The Diploma of Specialized Medical Training (DFMS) is a diploma open to foreign candidates (outside the European Union) holding a doctor's degree in medicine or pharmacy allowing practice in the country of origin and who are in the process of specialization. The training lasts from 2 to 6 semesters, depending on the number of practical training semesters remaining to be carried out in the country of origin.
- The Diploma of Advanced Specialized Medical Training (DFMSA) is a diploma open to foreign candidates (outside the EU) who already hold a specialist doctor or specialist pharmacist diploma. The training lasts 2 semesters.
The status of Intern (AAI) is a good way to prepare for the knowledge check tests, necessary to request the final authorization to practice. It allows you to become familiar with the French medical system and to be put in touch with hospitals for the training needed to practice.
Please note that it is mandatory to have a minimum B2 level of French.
How to do it?
File N°1 can be downloaded, from mid-October to January 15 of each year, on the website of the University of Medicine of Strasbourg , which is responsible for checking all the files for France.
You will find by clicking here the list of documents to provide and the address to send the file.
The file must be sent by post to this address:
Faculté de Médecine - Bureau des DFMS/A
4 rue Kirschleger
67085 STRASBOURG cedex
If application No.1 has been accepted, you will need to compile application No.2 and send it directly before 15 April to the universities preparing you for your speciality and to which you wish to apply. You need to send one application for each university. Click here for the list of documents to be provided for application form No. 2.
If you have ever obtained before April 15 the agreement of a hospital which will receive you:
- You must send a copy of Appendix 1B in file No. 2 to Strasbourg.
- After validation by Strasbourg, you will only have to compile a single file intended for the faculty to which you belong to this hospital and will therefore benefit from the so-called “cooperation” procedure (see step 3).
- At the same time, you must send a simplified file containing pages 1 and 2 of file N°2 and the proof of B2 level in French language by e-mail to the address: med-dossier2-2023-2024@unistra.fr before April 05, 2023.
- You will find by clicking here the list of documents to be sent.
Applications are examined by the university officials responsible for the speciality to which you have applied. Your application will be ranked by the universities to distinguish you from the other applicants. Based on these rankings and your order of preference, you will be assigned to a faculty, subject to availability.
However, the files of candidates who benefit from the so-called “cooperation” procedure will be assigned directly to the hospital which has accepted to receive them.
Congratulations ! You can now start your training. You will have to register at the host faculty before October 31 and take up your duties by November 1.
You will have the status of student acting as an intern (FFI) allowing you to work full time in a hospital on a paid basis.
What happens next?
To practise your profession in France, you need to begin the process of taking the knowledge check tests (EVC) prior to applying for authorisation to practise.
You will find all the steps to follow in this Refugees.info sheet: "Work as a doctor, dentist, pharmacist or midwife" .
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