Presentation of the person behind. Interview with Ida, partner and account manager at Medicolink.

I have worked with recruitment of international doctors for several years, and I really feel very lucky having the job that I have. I think that my job is very fulfilling and meaningful.

It sounds like a cliché… I know. But that is how it is. I think that one of the main reasons why I am so happy with what I do for a living is that it makes sense. I can make use of so many of my personal experiences in the work that I do. I also understand what our doctors feel and go through because I moved countries myself several years ago.

How did I end up in Spain?

In 2006 I moved to Spain. Why? The oldest reason of them all: love!!! Now, almost 12 years later, I still live in Spain with my Spanish husband and our 2 children.

The Spanish lifestyle is very different from the Danish one. My first-hand experience and differences in culture and work life has helped me a lot to better understand the doctors that I meet and their worries and concerns. Because there are many worries and concerns when you consider moving to a new country. Of course, it is also thrilling as most of the time it is a step in the direction of a better career and a new and better life for the accompanying family. But parents are worried if they are making the right decision, and I can understand them.

It has not always been easy, I will admit that… but moving to an other country is a great experience and you really learn something about yourself. I also think it is a great gift to your children if they have the chance of being fluent in more than just one language.

I also believe it is a great benefit for the hospitals to work with a Danish company with a good experience and understanding of Denmark, and for the culture where the doctors they recruit come from. In more than one occasion that background has helped me clear out misunderstandings between doctors and hospitals.

“During the years I have met many doctors from southern Europe and my personal background has helped me to understand them and help them understand the Danish culture, tradition and way of thinking.”

I have been through most of the same challenges as the doctors will be facing moving to Denmark. Learning a new language, integrating in a new, different culture and having to educate my kids in a new, and for me, unknown culture.

Learning a new language is not easy. Danish is not easy. Actually, I am originally a teacher, and when I lived in Denmark I worked as a teacher in a Danish public school. My career has taken a sharp turn after moving to Spain, and now I am the partner of a recruitment company and my daily work consists of helping specialist doctors and dentists from the EU to achieve their new career goals.

In my first years in Spain, I worked in different international companies and I taught both Danish and English. I have a lot of teaching experience, especially in teaching Danish to foreigners.

What is it you do?

Many of my friends and family ask me.: “But what is it actually that you do”?  Is that really a job?”

“Sure it is, and an interesting job as well. It is an interesting, although a hard job at times”, I usually respond.

My main task is to provide the Danish healthcare and dentist clinics with doctors as there is a lack of specialists in Denmark.

I spend a lot of my time in meetings in Denmark and with doctors during their interview trips to Denmark. Medicolink prepares a very intense program for the doctor and his/hers partner so that they get the best impression not just of their future workplace but also of the city where the job position is located.  I’m there for the candidates during their stay, and that is very helpful as I can answer any questions and doubts, they might have.

I really enjoy the days I spend with our candidates. In these last few years I have met so many nice doctors and it is such a pleasure to follow them on their journey. After this first visit the doctors then get a job offer in Denmark. And once they accept the offer to go to Budapest where they meet our very qualified teachers who will accompany them throughout our 5,5 months intensive course that will help them start their new life in Denmark.

When I meet the doctors after 3 months of language course it is very amusing and rewarding to have our first conversations in Danish.

“The biggest satisfaction in my job is when I see them in Denmark again at their new workplace. Most of the doctors are happy with the choice they made.”

I am really grateful to all the doctors throughout the years who have trusted me, and I am proud and happy to have played a role in their change of life.

Of course, it is not easy, and there are still many challenges after they start working in Denmark, but I have met very few doctors who regret their decision and decide to move back to their original country. Most of the doctors I have recruited have stayed in Denmark and have developed their career and lives in Denmark and we keep in touch regularly.

Do I ever consider moving back to Denmark?

Of course, but for the moment my kids and my husband are happy in Spain and I spend several days a month in Denmark and a few weeks of my summer vacation there as well.

I am never away from Denmark long enough to get homesick😊