Danish government proposes 20 new graduate spots in medicine at University of Southern Denmark in Esbjerg

The Danish government plans to add 20 additional graduate spots in medicine at the University of Southern Denmark in Esbjerg starting in 2025. According to Minister of Economics Stephanie Lose, this initiative aims to address the challenge of retaining newly qualified doctors in the region by integrating them into the local community before they complete their training.

The proposal is part of a broader rural development strategy, which is set to be unveiled soon. Minister Lose emphasized that early engagement in an area where there is a demand for medical professionals encourages graduates to remain in the region, citing successful examples from medical training in Northern Jutland.

Sara Vejlgaad Kristensen, a final-year medical student in Esbjerg, supports the initiative, hoping to establish her medical career in the south. She explained that the lengthy duration of medical training often leads students to form networks, start families, and purchase homes, making relocation challenging after graduation.

The medical program in Esbjerg, launched in 2022, currently offers 30 spots, which have seen significant demand, with over 1,300 applications for the 2026 intake. Students apply for graduate placements alongside their bachelor’s degree applications. This connection fosters deeper relationships, as noted by Anne-Marie Bloch Münster, the medical director at Sydvestjysk Hospital.

She expressed optimism that the government’s plans will lead to more local graduates, highlighting the importance of establishing ties with the community. The government is also exploring the possibility of introducing a bachelor’s degree in medicine in Esbjerg to further support this initiative.