Medicine in Turkey .. Doctors’ salaries and how to work as a Doctor in Turkey

Estimated reading time: 14 minutes

Turkey is a highly developed country in terms of the medical field and health services. In addition to health professionals and health services that can be accessed.

Turkey is also famous for its integrated technological treatments that made it a more prominent country in the medical field.

However, when a person intends to enter a new country to work, he/she must observe many conditions in order to practice legal work.

Among other things, one needs to be aware of the salaries and wages available in this country, especially in the field of medical work.

Because knowing everything related to medicine and the rights of doctors in Turkey is very important for people who want to work in the medical field in this country.

It should also be noted that doctors in Turkey generally earn more wages than any other job in the world.

So in this article, and to discuss this issue, we want to provide you with complete comprehensive information about medicine and doctors in Turkey.

Also, we take a look at the costs and fees for all of these applications within Medicine and its branches and areas, so keep reading.

Points to be taken into consideration regarding the work of foreigners as doctors in Turkey

It should be noted that in order to immigrate to Turkey, it is necessary to take into account the costs and conditions of living in Turkey.

Knowing that to work in medicine and the medical field in Turkey, it is necessary for doctors to obtain the necessary permits from the competent centers.

If you obtain these permits, you can apply for a job as a doctor in Turkey, of course.

But it is certainly necessary to obtain a minimum score in the Turkish language test.

The average salaries of doctors in Turkey

The average monthly salary of doctors in Turkey is about eighteen thousand four hundred Turkish liras. (According to the Turkish Statistical Institute)

This is equivalent to approximately two hundred twenty-one thousand Turkish liras annually.

In fact, the minimum salary for doctors working in Turkey is six thousand seven hundred and sixty Turkish liras.

The maximum salary of these persons is thirty-one thousand and one hundred Turkish liras.

Additional advantages of working in the medical field in Turkey

There are other important points about the rights of these people who work as doctors in Turkey.

That is, this average salary includes benefits such as the right to housing, in addition to the right to transportation, etc…

It should also be noted that the salaries of all doctors differ according to the specialty in which they work in the medical field.

Salaries of various medical specialties in Turkey

If you are interested in the different specialties in the medical field in Turkey, it should be noted that the doctor’s income in Turkey varies according to his specialty.

Here are the monthly salaries according to the doctor’s specialty and experience, which are as follows:

• Advanced trained doctor: 11,000 Turkish Liras
• Allergy doctor: 14,400 lira
• Doctor of behavioral health specialist: 8600 lira
• Chiropractor: 9,130 ​​liras
• Surgical Psychologist: 14400 liras
• A doctor specializing in corrective treatment: 14,300 liras
• Psychologist: 9,300 liras
• Dermatologist: 23700 liras
• An expert physician / nutritionist: 16,000 liras
• General practitioner: 7000 liras
• Emergency doctor: 18500 liras
• Sports Physiologist: 19900 Liras
• Forensic pathologist: 4,200 liras
• A genetic counselor doctor: 12,400 liras
• Internal specialist doctor: 24700 liras
• Cardiologist: 33,000 liras
• Psychiatrist: 13,900 liras
• Acupuncture doctor: 23,600 liras
• Neurologist: 24,300 liras
• Myocardial physiologist: 7,150 liras
• Nuclear doctor: 20,000 liras
• Obstetrician: 21600 liras
• Occupational health safety specialist physician: 11500 liras
• Ophthalmologist: 16,200 liras
• Specialist ophthalmologist: 17,200 liras
• Pediatrician: 19100 liras
• Physiotherapist doctor: 14,800 lira.

More information about the salaries of some specialists in the medical field jobs in Turkey

• Endocrinologist doctor: 23300 liras
• Gastroenterologist: 27,000 liras
• Hematologist and oncologist: 21400 liras
• Immunologist: 23,000 liras
• Infectious disease doctor: 20,000 liras
• Internal medicine doctor: 25100 liras
• Nephrologist: 25600 liras
• Obstetrician: 22200 liras
• Assistant physician: 12,500 liras
• Radiologist: 22,200 liras
• Rehabilitation doctor: 13100 liras.

Salaries of doctors in Turkey according to the law

Previously, we talked about the wages of doctors of various stages and levels in the work of the medical field in Turkey.

Where the salary of doctors in Turkey varies from the minimum wage of 6,700 lira per month.

Also, 31,100 liras per month is the highest salary a doctor earns in Turkey.

We also said that the average salaries of doctors in Turkey are 17,300 liras per month.

This means that half of the doctors working in this country earn less than that amount, and the other half are earning more than the average in this country.

In Turkey, the first thing that matters to doctors and what has a major impact on their salaries is the level of experience. As the more experienced the doctor is, the higher his/her salary would be.

Whereas, different salaries are determined for each field and direction of medicine according to the level of skill and experience of the doctor in this field.

Legal evaluation of doctors’ salaries in Turkey according to medical experience

For specialist physicians or surgeons, their incomes will be higher than others.

But in terms of experience nationwide, doctors with two to five years of experience would earn the most.

On average, the salary is an increase of thirty-five percent more than doctors whose work is unprecedented with experience in Turkey.

While doctors who have more than five years of work experience in this country, they receive an average of thirty-six percent more than others.

Doctors and specialists in various fields of medicine in Turkey will also receive a salary increase of twelve percent once every seventeen months.

Note that also the average salaries of doctors and individuals in some medical specialties are sixty percent higher than those of health professionals.

Legal evaluation of doctors’ salaries in Turkey according to medical experience

For specialist physicians or surgeons, their incomes will be higher than others.

But in terms of experience nationwide, doctors with two to five years of experience would earn the most.

On average, the salary is an increase of thirty-five percent more than doctors whose work is unprecedented with experience in Turkey.

While doctors who have more than five years of work experience in this country, they receive an average of thirty-six percent more than others.

Doctors and specialists in various fields of medicine in Turkey will also receive a salary increase of twelve percent once every seventeen months.

Note also that the average salaries of doctors and individuals in some medical specialties are sixty percent higher than those of health professionals.

Average salaries of doctors in different cities of Turkey

The city in Turkey is one of the most important components affecting doctors’ salaries.

The average salary in Ankara for doctors is 20 thousand liras per month.

While the average city salary in the Turkish city of Antalya is 18,000 lira.

As for the city of Istanbul, doctors earn 21,600 liras approximately.

In Izmir, the average salary of doctors is 19,200 TL.

So, as you can see in this part of the article, the city’s element and its importance for Turkey has a very big impact on the salaries and wages of doctors in Turkey.

How can foreigners practice medicine in Turkey?

Note that in this regard, the terms of employment will be completely related to the university in which medicine and medical specialization were studied, and the country of this university.

People who studied medicine outside Turkey and obtained their certificate are required to apply for a permit to work in Turkey.

The importance of the Turkish language to work as a doctor in Turkey

First, it is necessary for the person’s to equal the required degree in the Turkish language.

In order to qualify for a degree, one must take the YOS examination for higher education.

It is necessary to obtain a Turkish language certificate of at least B level.

Of course, doctors who graduated from Turkish universities will not need to present a Turkish language certificate.

But if you have a degree in Turkish language, you should pay attention to the fact that it is only valid for one year after obtaining this degree.

Legal transactions related to the Turkish language test to practice medicine in Turkey

The documents submitted by job applicants to obtain a Turkish work visa are processed within four to six months.

These people are also required to take a test called the STS test.

Before receiving any document confirmation, it is necessary to provide an answer to this test, Where this test is taken in one step by job seekers in Turkey and it is theoretical.

Also, this test will not have age requirements, and it will be conducted twice a year, and this test is also taken from applicants in Turkish.

Working Conditions for foreign doctors in Turkey

The conditions for the employment of foreign doctors in Turkey in the field of various specialties in medical centers and clinics were approved in 2017.

As it was not allowed before for foreigners to work in the medical field in Turkey.

But now in some fields and specialties, to work in health centers in Turkey, there are conditions to obtain a license in the field of medical work, as follows:

• To obtain a permit, you must first enter Turkey, and obtain a short-term residence permit for one year.
• Then search for medical centers that require your specialty.
• Submit your application to the Ministry of Health.
• There must be no legal ban by the Ministry of Health.
• The documents must also be approved by the Ministry of Health.
• You must score at least 8 on the Turkish language test.
• The contract between the doctor and the institution he/she wants to work for in the appropriate medical field takes time.
• After obtaining the work permit, the spouse and children under the age of 18 can get a residence permit with a doctor agreed to work.

Note that this law is only for doctors, and does not include pharmacists, veterinarians, and dentists.

Nurses can also obtain work permits.

But in professions such as dentistry, midwifery, and pharmacy, the work ban is still in effect in Turkey, and activities in these fields are prohibited for foreign nationals.

But midwifery assistants and allied health workers can obtain work permits in the medical field in Turkey.

If the doctor is a graduate of a Turkish university, he/she must have the following documents to obtain the initial license:

• Request for a doctor’s license.
• The contract signed between the doctor and the relevant institution.
• A copy of the passport.
• A copy of the residence card.
• A photo and address of residence.

Medical and pharmaceutical services for foreigners in Turkey

Due to its global expanding success in the field of medicine and pharmacy, Turkey has made various arrangements for foreigners to benefit from these medical services.

In order to benefit from public, private and university hospitals in Turkey, one must be covered by public or private health insurance.

With the help of these two insurances, either no fees are paid for health services, or a very small fee is paid.

The concept of insurance must also be taken into account when it comes to pharmaceutical services.

Because public health and private insurance also cover many drug purchases.

Indeed, there is no need for an insurance company to pay for many drugs.

Rather, people who are not covered by any insurance, regardless of their nationality, will even be required to pay for the medication themselves.

So when people are not covered by health insurance, continuing to pay for medicines due to their high price becomes an ineffective and costly situation.

How do Turkish pharmacies work ?

In Turkey, unlike the United States and some European countries, pharmacies only provide pharmaceutical services.

These pharmacy services are regulated by specific rules according to the laws of Turkey, and they are common, effective and very active.

The main reason is the following ruling (one pharmacy per 3,500 people) and this is mentioned in the law.

Hence, as a result, and depending on the population density, pharmacies can be easily reached wherever you are in Turkey.

Also, in Turkey, only pharmacy graduates are allowed to open a pharmacy. For this reason, and of course, when you go to the pharmacy, you will meet with medical experts directly.

What are the opening hours of pharmacies in Turkey ?

Pharmacy opening hours in Turkey during the week and weekend are as follows:

• During the week, work starts from: 08:30 in the morning and ends at: 19:00 in the evening.
• On saturday, working hours start from: 09:30 AM and end at: 19:00 PM.

People who want to go to the pharmacy outside these hours and on Sundays must go to pharmacies that operate around the clock.

You can find these pharmacies by searching on the Internet for the city in which you live in Turkey.

Studying medicine in Turkey

Medical universities in Turkey are prestigious and international universities, as they have attracted many interested people from inside and outside the country.

As these universities have good cooperation with the most prestigious universities in the world, they also employ famous European and American professors in medical schools.

These universities joined the educational system of European and American universities in 2001.

In Turkey, medical education lasts for 6 years, the first three years a student spends in education, research and clinical work.

For the next two years, students are trained in tests, diagnosis, and treatment methods.

And next year, after a period of training in a Turkish medical hospital, training in treatment and gaining experience in the medical field will take place.

Find out How much it costs to study in Turkey.

Read more about studying in Turkey.

Medical tourism in Turkey, and the international popularity of medicine in Turkey

Turkey is also considered a successful destination that represents the world-famous medical and hospital tourism.

Because of this, many people from different countries such as Iran, Azerbaijan, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. In addition to Asian countries, Russia, Europe and other countries, visit Turkish medical departments for medical treatment in Turkey.

In addition, the citizens of these countries come from different sides of the world to have plastic surgeries every year in Turkey.

Turkish medical universities also provide theoretical and practical training to students in the fields of cosmetology.

In addition to the reinforced and intensive education in the fields of cardiology, internal medicine, general medicine, pediatrics, radiology and surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions