How to Obtain your Greek Medical License & Specialization Recognition

Are you a Greek physician training or practicing abroad and considering working in Greece—either part-time, full-time, or in the future?

The Canadian Hellenic Medical Society (CHMS) invites you to a practical, step-by-step virtual workshop designed to demystify the process of obtaining a Greek medical license and recognition of your medical specialization.

This session will focus exclusively on the official medical and regulatory pathways, with live guidance through the relevant national portals.

Important Update on Specialization Recognition (2025)

As of this year, medical specializations obtained in the following countries are recognized automatically by Greece:

• United States

• Canada

• United Kingdom

• Australia

• New Zealand

• Switzerland

This means that eligible physicians are no longer required to undergo review by a specialization committee or repeat examinations in Greece.

This workshop will clearly explain:

• Who qualifies for automatic recognition

• How the process works in practice through the DOATAP and Panhellenic Medical Association portals, as well as walk though registration for a regional Greek medical association

• What documentation is still required despite automatic recognition

• Common misunderstandings and delays physicians continue to encounter

What this workshop will cover

Step 1: Medical Degree Recognition (DOATAP)

• Overview of the Hellenic National Academic Recognition and Information Center (DOATAP)

• Who requires DOATAP recognition and at what stage

• Required documentation and common pitfalls

• Practical tips based on real-world experience

Step 2: Obtaining a Greek Medical License

• Step-by-step walkthrough of the Panhellenic Medical Association online portal

• Required documentation and expected timelines

• Key considerations for physicians trained outside the EU

Step 3: Specialization Recognition

• How to apply for recognition of your medical specialty through the PMA portal

• Explanation of automatic recognition pathways for eligible countries

Step 4: Registration with a Greek Regional Medical Association

• How to register with the regional medical association where you intend to practice

Presenters

Dr. David Rossolatos
Vice President, Canadian Hellenic Medical Society (CHMS)

This workshop will be presented by Dr. David Rossolatos, Vice President of the Canadian Hellenic Medical Society. The session will draw directly from his personal experience completing the Greek medical degree recognition, licensing, and registration process.

Dr. Rossolatos currently holds an active Greek medical license to practice, in addition to his Canadian medical licensure, and will share practical insights on navigating the process efficiently, avoiding common delays, and understanding how the system works in real-world practice.

Dr. George Patoulis
President, Athens Medical Association

We are also honored to feature Dr. George Patoulis, President of the Athens Medical Association, as a presenter.

Dr. Patoulis is a orthopedic surgeon and longstanding medical leader in Greece with extensive involvement in healthcare governance and medical collaboration initiatives, including the campaigning for the new specialization recognition law change. In 2017, together with a group of physician colleagues inspired by the ideals of Hippocrates, he co-founded the Global Doctors’ Hippocratic Institute (GDHI). In 2018, he was elected President of Greek Medical Tourism (ELITOUR), supporting the development and international visibility of Greece’s medical tourism sector.

His leadership experience provides valuable perspective on the Greek medical system and professional landscape.

What this workshop will not cover

To keep the session focused and actionable, the following topics will not be addressed:

• Greek citizenship topics regarding passport and ID document registration

• How to obtain tax numbers (ΑΦΜ) or social security numbers (AMKA)

Part of the Working in Greece as a Physician Series

This workshop is the first in a CHMS educational series focused on working as a physician in Greece. Upcoming sessions will include:

• Tax setup and options for structuring a professional medical corporation in Greece

• Registering for and using Greece’s national e-prescription system, and how to register for and access the national electronic medical records platform

Who should attend

• Greek medical students, residents, fellows, and attending physicians trained in Canada, USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, or Switzerland

• Physicians considering relocation, dual practice, or telemedicine in Greece

• Anyone seeking a clear, centralized overview of the Greek medical licensing process

This session is experience-driven, practical, and designed to save you time, confusion, and unnecessary delays.