One doctor’s journey from Brazil to Berlin — and how she turned frustration into purpose.

I still remember the moment I arrived in Germany back in 2019.

I had completed my medical degree in Paraguay and was determined to continue my life as a doctor here in Germany.

But twice, I almost gave up on that dream.

I grew up in Curitiba, a city of over a million people in southern Brazil. My parents were separated, and my mother worked two hospital jobs while raising me alone in a tiny two-room apartment. When she suffered a stroke, I had to be strong — for her. I worked at a local elementary school during high school to help pay for her medication.

Studying medicine in Brazil was completely out of reach financially. So I went to Paraguay, where education was more affordable, and I could still chase my dream of becoming a doctor.

The first time I nearly gave up was during my studies in Paraguay.

I’ll never forget one moment in particular: a patient lay in front of me, his body covered in wounds. I didn’t have the medication I needed to treat him. I even had to bring my own gloves. I broke down. How could I help people if I didn’t have the bare essentials? A doctor pulled me aside and said, “Suryann, you’re so empathetic. You have a gift for connecting with people.”

Still, I knew deep down that my calling wasn’t to work in Paraguay.

So I made a bold decision: I would go to Germany — a country with a stronger healthcare system and a severe shortage of medical professionals.

I arrived in Berlin full of energy, ready to work — only to be overwhelmed by the bureaucracy.

This country needs medical professionals urgently. You can feel it in Berlin: hospitals are desperate for staff — whether in nursing, laboratories, or clinical roles. And there I was. Trained, motivated, and ready to help.

But instead of support, I was met with paperwork, regulations, and endless requirements. I just wanted to contribute — to work.

I remember my first days in Berlin in March 2019. The grey streets, the tall buildings — in some ways, it reminded me of Curitiba. I was freezing because I didn’t have a proper coat. And I quickly realized: it’s not just the weather that’s cold here. The bureaucracy can be, too.

I offered to help wherever I could, even in a nursing home. But they told me, “Without an official German certificate, we can’t hire you.”

Then came the question that really hit me:

“If you’re a doctor, why aren’t you working in a hospital?”

The German language felt overwhelming, and the idea of passing an exam in German seemed impossible. I had my documents — birth certificate, CV, police clearance — translated in Paraguay because it was cheaper.

Then came the next setback: the German authorities wouldn’t accept those translations.

I was stuck at home, caring for my two young children… and feeling powerless.

I had studied medicine. I wanted to be a doctor. Yet everything felt completely out of reach.

Then one day, I came across a LinkedIn post by chance. That’s how I found René Rheimann from Get2Germany. I messaged him, and we had a call. I remember it clearly — he listened, he immediately understood my situation, and he gave me hope.

He said: “You can do this. And we’ll help you.”

That was the turning point.

With his help, I gathered all my documents again, had them professionally translated, and submitted them properly. At the same time, I began preparing intensively for the medical language exam (FSP).

On exam day, I was nervous. I knew this was the key to my future in Germany. The exam had three parts: a doctor-patient conversation where I had to take a patient history, a written medical report based on my notes, and a doctor-doctor conversation where I presented the case to an examiner.

It wasn’t easy. But I felt prepared.

And I passed — on my first try.

💡 Need help with the medical language exam? Here’s everything you need to know about the FSP: why it’s important, what to expect, and how to prepare effectively.

Learn more about the FSP

After that, I took the next step. I applied for a job at a medical practice in Berlin. And it worked — on April 1st, I started my new job as a medical assistant (MFA). Since then, I’ve been drawing blood, conducting EKGs, and assisting the doctors with patient care. I’m back in a clinical environment. Back in a team. Back in a healthcare system that finally lets me do what I love.

But this is only the beginning. Soon, I plan to take the knowledge exam (Kenntnisprüfung) so I can become a fully licensed doctor in Germany. I have a goal — and now I have the confidence to reach it.

The path to becoming a doctor in Germany as a foreign-trained physician can feel overwhelming at first. But with the right support, anything is possible.

If you’re facing the challenges of the FSP or the licensing process, don’t give up. Get the help you need and keep moving forward. You’re not alone — there’s support out there. And at the end of the journey, your dream job as a doctor in Germany is waiting.

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• How hard is the medical language exam (FSP) for foreign-trained doctors?
  The FSP is often seen as a major hurdle because of the complex medical terminology. But with focused preparation and a structured learning plan — like the one Get2Germany provides — it’s absolutely doable.
  
• What documents do I need to get licensed as a doctor in Germany?
  You’ll need your medical degree, certified translations, language certificates, and proof of your medical training, among other things. Get2Germany can help you stay organized and ensure everything is submitted correctly.
  
• How does Get2Germany support international doctors in starting their careers?
  Get2Germany guides you through the entire recognition process — from document checks to FSP preparation. Their personal support, language training, and hands-on preparation make all the difference.