The current proposals to update the European Union (EU) directive on professional qualifi cations will have potentially important implications for health professions. Yet those discussing it will struggle to fi nd basic information on key issues such as licensing and registration of physicians in different countries. A survey was conducted among national experts in 14 EU member states, supplemented by literature and independent expert review. The questionnaire covered fi ve components of licensing and registration: (1) defi nitions, (2) regulatory basis, (3) governance, (4) the process of registration and (5) fl ow and quantity of applications. We identify seven areas of concern: (1) the meaning of terminology, which is inconsistent; (2) the role of language assessments and the responsibility for them; (3) whether approval to practise should be lifelong or time limited, subject to periodic assessment; (4) the need for improved systems to identify those deemed no longer fi t to practise in one member state; (5) the complexity of processes for graduates from non-EU/European Economic Area (EAA) countries; (6) public access to registers; and (7) transparency of systems of governance. The systems of licensing and registration of doctors in Europe have developed within specifi c national contexts and vary widely. This creates inevitable problems in the context of free movement of professionals and increasing mobility. KEYWORDS: Registration, licensing, revalidation, directive on professional qualifi cations, professional mobility Introduction Doctors have long had the right to practise throughout the European Union (EU). EU legislation enacted in 1975 (Council directives 75/362/EEC and 75/363/EEC) and its subsequent revisions set out the core requirements for registration as a medical practitioner. 1-3 These underpin the assumption that anyone licensed as a medical practitioner in any EU member state is qualifi ed to practise anywhere else, something that derives from the fundamental freedoms of movement enshrined in European treaties. Yet, in some countries, there have been concerns that the system is not working. First, the core training requirements are defi ned in terms of hours of study, rather than the acquisition of defi ned competences, now seen in many countries as the mark of completion of training. Second, the concept of lifelong qualifi cation is being challenged in some countries by requirements to demonstrate continuing competence at points throughout one's working career. Third, there have been some high-profi le cases of failings by doctors working outside the country in which they obtained their qualifi cation.The most recent directive, which came into force in 2007, is being revised in response to these concerns. A draft text was proposed by the European Commission in July 2013 with proposals for a voluntary European 'professional card', an alert mechanism for malpractice or fraudulent diplomas, and the ability of competent authorities to assess language skills. On 9 October 2013 the text was accepte...

The findings show that there are several reasons why Hungary could maintain a leading position in dental tourism. First, the cost/benefit ratio is outstanding. The affordable price and value for money were already recognised in the early 1990s and were appreciated even before Hungary joined the EU. Secondly, the high quality of Hungary's dental profession: a) dental professionals in Hungary are well-qualified dental practitioners who have received high level dental training; b) dental professional standards are up-to-date and often supervised; c) in Hungary dental technology, the quality of materials and equipment used in dental practices is of European level quality. The rate of complications in dental care is around 5%, similar to other European countries. Finally, previous treatment experiences are positive and patient satisfaction levels are high. More and more patients seek care in Hungary, and more and more patients state that they would be willing to return for further treatment in the future.

Based on the findings, patients from neighbouring regions are increasingly seeking orthopaedic care in Hungary. Patients having orthopaedic care are highly satisfied with the quality of care, the whole treatment process from the availability of information to discharge summaries and would consider returning for further treatments.

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