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Living and Working as an Oncologist in Bulgaria

Facts and Statistics

  • Location: South- East Europe, north east part of the Balkan Peninsula
  • Climate: Temperate continental climate with moderate features which is characteristic for Central Europe, with hot summers and cold winters
  • Population: 7,37 million (2011 census)
  • Ethnic makeup: 84.8% Bulgarians, 8.8% Turkish, 4.9 % Roma minorities
  • Religions: 76% Orthodox Christian, 10% Muslims, 0.8% Roman Catholic
  • Government: Parliamentary democracy
  • Language: The majority of the population speaks Bulgarian which is the official language

Studying medicine in Bulgaria

Studying medicine in Bulgaria takes six years, the last one focused mainly on clinical practice. Experienced and profound lectors from six universities in Bulgaria (two in Sofia, one in Varna, Plovdiv, Pleven and in Stara Zagora) offer well-balanced and scientific education.
Before becoming a medical student one has to pass two difficult exams in biology and chemistry - usually there is severe competition.
After getting the so desired medical education young doctors become part of the Bulgarian medical community.
More useful information can be found at:

What do I need to do to become a haemato-oncologist in Bulgaria?

Since 2007 Medical oncology has been recognized as a distinguished speciality, and it consists of two years education in internal medicine and three – in medical oncology. Before beginning and after completing their education in medical oncology young doctors need to take an exam.
Several places in Bulgaria offer training in medical oncology:

From the last two years medical students have the opportunity to study medical oncology for a semester as an optional course.

Are there any Oncology Society in Bulgaria?

In Bulgaria there are no more than sixty certificated medical oncologists and thirty more still in training. There is a national Bulgarian Oncology Committee, which organizes an annual oncology meeting, dedicated to different medical topics. However, in the different regions in Bulgaria, local committees function. Young Bulgarian oncologists have their own organization Young Oncologist Club – Bulgaria. The aims of the group are focused mainly on the problems of young doctors in their routine work and on their development not only in Bulgaria but also abroad.

Where can I find useful information for living in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria offers many picturesque places to stay for a while or just to enjoy for a couple of hours. And always the magnificent Bulgarian kitchen is part of this tremendous experience. More detailed information about this can be found at InterNations Expat Guide – Bulgaria

Bulgarian Society and Culture

Traditional Bulgarian culture contains mainly Thracian, Slavic and Bulgar heritage, along with Greek, Roman, Ottoman, Persian and Celtic influences. Traces of Gothic culture also appeared in Antiquity, as evidenced by the Wulfila Bible—the first book written in a Germanic language, created in Nicopolis ad Istrum in the 4th century.
A vast amount of uncovered archaeological sites are spread throughout the country; their total number is the third-largest in Europe after Italy and Greece. In 1972 the oldest golden treasure in the world was discovered in a necropolis near Varna, consisting of coins, weapons and jewellery dating to 4,600 BC. The site revealed evidence of the first European civilisation. Other objects testifying for the early development of advanced culture on Bulgaria's lands are Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in the world, and the first Christian monastery in Europe, established in 344 AD.

Where can I find useful information about living in Bulgaria?

Edited by Club YO Bulgaria INSERT LINK

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