Zwickau family doctor is preparing for the future – practice opening soon!

Zwickau family doctor is preparing for the future – practice opening soon!

Family doctor care in Zwickau has been anything but easy in recent years. The impending shortage of doctors has conjured up many worry lines on the foreheads of patients and relatives. But how can local doctors better prepare for the future? The Zwickau family doctor Sally Goldberg has found an answer and is moving into a modern medical center in the former Sachsenring Polyclinic in order to provide her patients with the best possible care. The move, which is scheduled to take place on September 1st after a week's break, will bring several advantages for the patients.

“I’m sure no artificial intelligence can replace me,” says Sally Goldberg, appearing combative. She has already partially furnished her new practice room: there is a kitchenette and a lovely picture for the break room is already hanging on the wall. The only thing that still needs to be taken care of is the pasta strainer - a little anecdote that shows that she is enjoying working on the renovations.

A model project for the future

The model project “Studying in Europe – Future in Saxony” could be a key to improving primary care in Saxony’s rural regions. Maximillian Braun, the first graduate of this project, has just started working in a doctor's office in Zwickau. The program aims to train medical professionals specifically for rural areas. Since its introduction in 2013, over 40 medical students per year have had the opportunity to study in Pécs, Hungary.

In order to meet the need for family medicine, the program requires graduates to work as a family doctor in Saxony for at least five years after graduation. At a glance: 213 people are currently taking part in the model project, 164 of whom are still studying. According to Health Minister Petra Köpping, this is essential for ensuring medical care in the region.

A serious situation in Saxony

The impending shortage of doctors should not be underestimated. In Saxony, more than 370 general practitioner positions are unfilled, many of them in rural areas. In addition, around 30 percent of family doctors are over 60 years old and are about to retire. This means that there is an acute need for action in many regions, including Chemnitz.

A recently commissioned report has supported this. An undersupply has already been identified in three of the 48 designated planning regions, while there is a threat of a shortage of family doctors in a further 32 regions. The major cities of Leipzig and Dresden are particularly well supplied, while underserved regions such as Torgau, Werdau and Reichenbach urgently need support. This imbalance in the health system is clearly reflected in the urban-rural divide that exists not only in Saxony but also elsewhere.

The challenges in primary care are great, and the solutions must come quickly. However, with doctors like Sally Goldberg courageously breaking new ground and initiatives like the model project, there is a glimmer of hope. “A good knack for planning the future” is required to ensure long-term medical care in the Free State.

For anyone who would like to learn more about these developments, the following links provide further information: Free press, MDR and Saxon.