UNIVERSITY OF COLOGNE

Clinical observation visits (clinical attachments) in the different departments of the university hospital can be arranged at the invitation of heads of department and doctors. Clinical observers are doctors wishing to undergo advanced training. They are only allowed to observe and, unlike guest doctors, are not allowed to become actively involved. During their stay, clinical observers find out how the work of the department is structured and learn about special diagnostic procedures, particular equipment etc. Under no circumstances may observers take over the tasks of a hospital employee. They do not receive any payment and are not allowed to treat patients. Observers from countries outside the EU need an Aufenthaltserlaubnis (limited residence permit) for their stay in Germany.

Visiting researchers are people who work as researchers at universities in other countries, have a Diploma/ Master’s degree or higher qualification and spend a limited period of time doing research at a Medical Faculty institute or department at the invitation of a member of the Medical Faculty. Visiting researchers from abroad need a German Aufenthaltserlaubnis (limited residence permit) that includes permission to work as a researcher.

Guest doctors are visiting doctors, either from Germany or abroad, who have a guest doctor contract (Gastarztvertrag) and are therefore permitted – unlike observers – to work as doctors and treat patients during their stay in a particular department. They must be fully qualified in human medicine or dentistry. Unlike German doctors, foreign doctors do not need to obtain Approbation (the licence to practise medicine in Germany) in order to be allowed to work as a guest doctor. Instead they must have a limited residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis), a work permit (Arbeitserlaubnis) and a temporary permit to practise medicine (Berufserlaubnis) as required by German law (§ 10 Bundesärzteordnung (BÄO). The temporary permit to practise medicine (Berufserlaubnis) required by German law (§10 BÄO) is provisional and is issued during the process of applying for Approbation (German licence to practise medicine). However, this provisional permit does not entitle a visiting doctor to fulfil the function of a regular doctor on duty. A visiting doctor must always be supervised by a licensed doctor (a doctor with Approbation) who is responsible for the visitor’s actions.