Croatia launches program for young doctors in primary healthcare

The Croatian Ministry of Health has launched a new voluntary program designed to encourage young doctors without specializations to work in primary healthcare. The initiative targets medical doctors who graduated after July 1, 2023, and hold approval from the Croatian Medical Chamber for independent practice.

Participants can work in family medicine, emergency medicine, or public health through health centers, county emergency medical institutes, and various public health institutes. The program lasts up to 12 months and provides professional support, clinical case discussions, workshops on healthcare regulations, and opportunities for further professional development.

A key incentive is the accumulation of points for future specialization applications. Continuous work within the program can earn up to 22 points, while total work experience in primary healthcare can yield a maximum of 40 points. After 12 months of uninterrupted participation, employers may decide to refer the doctor for specialization at the primary healthcare level.