Why German doctors enjoy British medicine.

Why do substantial numbers of German doctors come to work in the UK? Nearly 5,000 positions are vacant in Germany, yet around 350 new General Medical Council registrations are granted annually to these doctors. The UK is an attractive place to work due to opportunities for structured professional training, improved conditions and pay since the 'New Deal', and to the experience of living in a foreign country. This article compares and contrasts elements that affect a hospital doctor's working life in both health services, highlighting the strengths of the NHS that are easily overlooked in the current highly critical climate.