Dr. Freddy Bautista Vanegas, a physician from Bolivia, is part of Germany's initiative to recruit foreign medical specialists to address its health care worker shortage. Currently practicing at a Parkinson's clinic in Beelitz, near Berlin, he is navigating the rigorous certification process, which includes mastering B2-level German, passing multiple exams and working under supervision before becoming fully licensed. Patients often welcome him warmly, especially when they learn he is from Bolivia, a country many recall fondly from vacations.

Germany's Federal Employment Agency has been placing doctors from countries like Mexico, Colombia and Bolivia since 2017 to fill critical gaps, with nearly 50,000 health care positions unfilled between 2023 and 2024. While the program supports foreign doctors with housing, visas and guidance, varying requirements across Germany's 16 federal states remain a challenge.

This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.