Facts and Statistics
- Location: Central Europe, bordering Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein
- Climate: temperate and alpine; mild winters, pleasant summers
- Population: 8.47 million (statistics 2011)
- Ethnic make-up: 91% Austrians, 4% Yugoslavs, 2% Turks, 3% others
- Religions: Roman Catholic 75%, Protestant or other 25%
- Government: Federal parliamentary republic
- Language: The majority of the population speaks German which is the official language. Other local official languages include Croatian, Hungarian and Slovenian
Studying medicine in Austria
The medical Universities in Austria are: Medical University of Vienna, Medical University of Graz, Innsbruck Medical University and the Paracelsus Medical University of Salzburg (private). Studying medicine in Austria will take you 6 years. A formal entrance exam restricting the entrance into the university is mandatory. More information can be found at the following websites (not exhaustive information)
- Medical University Vienna
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna
- Medical University Graz
- Medical University Innsbruck
After medical school one needs to register with the medical council in Austria (Österreichische Ärztekammer). The choice of the medical council will be dependent on the province you are planning to practice medicine. For more information please visit the web site of Österreichische Ärztekammer
What do I need to do to become a haemato-oncologist in Austria?
In Austria, “haematology and medical oncology” is an officially recognized speciality that requires board certification in Internal Medicine and an additional 3 years of training - more details of the training section on the web site of Österreichische Ärztekammer
Are there any Oncology Societies in Austria?
The official Austrian society for haematologists and medical oncologists is the OeGHO (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Hämatoonkologie, www.oegho.at). In addition, there are several other societies for professionals of different disciplines dealing with cancer patients. Some examples of societies are (not an exhaustive list):
- Austrian Breast and Colorectal Cancer Study Group
- Arbeitsgemeinshcaft hämato-onkologischer Pflegepersonen in Österreich
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für Psychoonkologie
- Austrian Society of Neurooncology
Is it possible to do a fellowship in Austria?
Austria has several fellowship opportunities in different hospitals/institutions in the field of haematology and medical oncology. A few examples of institutions hosting fellows are (not an exhaustive list):
- Medical University Vienna
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna
- Medical University Graz
- Medical University Innsbruck
Austrian Society & Culture
Austria has a rich cultural background and is well known for its contributions to the arts , especially classical music and painting. Many famous composers are either from or have worked in Austria and include Joseph Haydn, Franz Liszt, Franz Schubert, Anton Bruckner, Johan Strauss (Sr. and Jr.) and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to name a few. Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka are examples of respected Austrian painters.
Where can I find useful information for living in Austria?
- Bundeskanzleramt Österreich
- Oesterreich.com