Foreign-Hired Vets: Bridging the Skills Gap in Rural Germany
Foreign veterinarians are being actively recruited due to a shortage of local professionals in the field - Consulted on Draft Directive Regarding Animal and Environmental Safeguards
In rural areas, the scarcity of medical professionals isn't limited to human health: Vacancies persist for months in veterinary services, leading to the recruitment of international practitioners, particularly from Iran. Dr. Matthias Link, a veterinarian based in Varrel, Lower Saxony, has employed an Iranian veterinarian and a vet from Tehran since 2024.
Asal Ilkhani Zadeh, a 30-year-old from Tehran, moved to a village near Sulingen. She shared that, initially, she found it challenging owing to linguistic differences, especially when her patients' owners were worked up about their animals.
In essence, the job responsibilities aren't drastically dissimilar from their home country practices. Zadeh and her coworker, Mohammad Ranjbar, from Tabriz in northern Iran, noticed that they picked up specific terminology like milk fever, stone calving, and farrowing from local farmers during their initial visits to Varrel's farms. Ranjbar is content in northern Germany: "I appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty here, and the kind folks."
Practice owners grapple with succession planning
Despite a nationwide rise in practicing veterinarians since 2013, most work part-time, and women account for over 70% of the profession. In the next decade, approximately 3,000 practitioners will retire due to age. "As an independent practitioner, I work 50 to 60 hours a week, which necessitates one and a half to two new colleagues," said Dr. Link (61).
The Lower Saxony government advocates for a swift process to recognize foreign veterinary qualifications due to this issue. However, the topic has been delayed in the Bundesrat, according to Lower Saxony's agriculture minister, Miriam Staudte (Greens). Not only practice owners but also veterinary offices throughout the country experience a skills shortage. "It’s not just about animals' health, but also about disease control, feed, and food safety," said Staudte.
- Iran
- European Challenges
- Tehran
- Hannover
- Germany
- Sulingen
Behind the Scenes:
The dearth of skilled veterinarians across Europe is due to issues such as inadequate training, demographic changes, or technological advancements[1]. Europe also suffers from shortages in veterinary medicines, potentially impacting the quality of veterinary care[4]. The dairy industry, a major component of Germany's economy, is untergoing significant changes, including consolidation and increased regulatory costs, which might affect the demand for veterinary services[5]. Many European countries recruit professionals from overseas to fill skilled positions, a trend prevalent in various sectors, including veterinary services[4].
Recruiting Iranian vets may require consideration of factors such as international collaboration, migration policies, and the availability of Iranian veterinarians relevant to the German market, although without direct information, these remain speculative.
The scarcity of skilled veterinarians in rural Germany has led to the recruitment of international practitioners, with a notable increase in Iranian veterinarians, such as Asal Ilkhani Zadeh, being employed due to similarities in medical-conditions and health-and-wellness practices between the two countries. Dr. Matthias Link, a veterinarian in Varrel, Lower Saxony, has employed multiple Iranian veterinarians, as part of a wider trend in Europe of recruiting professionals from overseas to fill skilled positions, particularly in response to challenges in science, training, and workforce demographics.
