Doctors Stripped of Licenses Abroad Are Legally Practicing in Germany: A System Failure Unveiled
Berlin, Germany – October 2, 2025 – A shocking investigation has revealed a critical flaw in the German healthcare system: doctors who have lost their licenses to practice in other countries – sometimes due to serious offenses like sexual assault or gross medical negligence – are legally permitted to continue treating patients in Germany. The revelations, stemming from a joint research project by ZDF “frontal” and “Spiegel” titled “Bad Practice,” are sparking outrage and calls for immediate reform. This is a breaking news story with significant implications for patient safety and trust in the medical profession.
The Case of Finn Olsen: A Personal Tragedy Highlights the Systemic Problem
The story isn’t abstract. Finn Olsen, a Norwegian man who lost his lower leg due to what he alleges were serious medical errors, discovered his surgeon had lost his license in Norway. Yet, the surgeon continued to practice – legally – in Germany. This isn’t an isolated incident. The investigation uncovered over 30 cases of doctors with revoked licenses continuing their careers within the German healthcare system. The sheer fact that such a scenario is possible is fueling a national debate about accountability and patient protection.
EU Warning System: A Paper Tiger?
At the heart of the problem lies the inconsistent and often ineffective use of the EU’s Internal Market Information System (IMI). Designed to flag doctors barred from practicing in one member state, the IMI is reportedly riddled with loopholes and underutilized by many countries. Norwegian Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre acknowledged “insufficient control,” stating, “We have to re-examine all systems and routines and take measures to close gaps.” Vice-President of the European Parliament, Nicolae Ștefănuță, echoed this sentiment, calling the system “full of loopholes” and its inconsistent application “very worrying.”
Calls for Transparency and a National Registry
German politicians are now demanding action. Stefan Schwartze, the Federal Government’s patient representative, called for a review of federal legislation and reporting systems, emphasizing that anyone who has lost their license – “especially” due to serious crimes – should not be allowed to practice. Janosch Dahmen, health spokesman for the Green party, is advocating for a uniform, nationwide register of foreign professional bans. “Medical healing is based on trust,” Dahmen stated. “This trust requires the greatest possible transparency.” The current situation, he argues, is a “system failure with an announcement.”
Investigations Launched: A Doctor Accused of Sexual Assault Under Scrutiny
The pressure is mounting. At least one German licensing authority has already launched an investigation following the reports, focusing on a doctor previously sentenced to a lifetime ban from practicing medicine in Switzerland for sexually assaulting a patient. This individual is currently working in North Rhine-Westphalia. The investigation underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential for harm to patients.
The Looming Doctor Shortage: A Complicating Factor
While addressing this systemic failure is paramount, it’s happening against the backdrop of a growing doctor shortage in Germany, particularly in rural areas. A recent study suggests the projected shortage by 2040 is even greater than previously estimated. This scarcity of medical professionals creates a difficult dilemma: how to balance patient safety with the need to ensure adequate healthcare access. The temptation to overlook past issues in the face of staffing shortages must be resisted.
Beyond the Headlines: Understanding Medical Licensing and Reciprocity
The current system relies heavily on the principle of professional reciprocity – the recognition of qualifications earned in one country by another. However, this system often lacks robust verification processes for disciplinary actions taken against doctors in their home countries. Historically, medical licensing has been largely the purview of individual states (Bundesländer) within Germany, leading to inconsistencies in enforcement and information sharing. A centralized, national registry, as proposed by the Green party, would be a significant step towards addressing these shortcomings. Furthermore, strengthening the EU’s IMI system and ensuring its consistent use across all member states is crucial for a truly pan-European solution.
The revelations surrounding doctors practicing in Germany despite losing their licenses elsewhere are a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within our healthcare systems. The need for greater transparency, improved information sharing, and a renewed commitment to patient safety is undeniable. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of this developing story and in-depth analysis of the proposed reforms. For more information, watch ZDF frontal’s report tonight at 9 p.m. or stream it on the ZDF media library.
