From Medellín to the cold of northern Germany: we were able to pick up eight surgical assistants (OTAs) from Colombia in our new bus at Hanover airport at the end of January. A few days later, they started work at Göttingen University Hospital.
OTAs are the silent heroes in the operating theater. They ensure that everything runs smoothly and that surgical procedures can be carried out successfully. Their tasks are varied and demanding. They prepare the operating theatre, sterilize instruments and ensure that the right equipment is used. During the procedure, they support the doctors and are responsible for patient care. OTAs must be stress-resistant and able to work in a team, as they often work in emergency situations.
The group completed their German course in April 2023. However, the biggest hiccup was not the language test (B2), but the recognition of the professional qualification in accordance with the new OTA/ATA Act. Because the recognition authority had no experience with this, it called in the “Expert Assessment Office for Healthcare Professions” in Bonn. We had to send in the complete curricula of each individual talent as thick stacks of paper. That cost several hundred euros extra per person. It then took almost six months to prepare the reports. In November 2023, we finally received the recognition notices, which we had actually expected to receive in spring 2023 - after all, the legal deadline is only four months. The employer had to reschedule several times, but fortunately everyone kept their nerve. So the joy was all the greater when the notifications finally arrived! The visas were issued quickly, the apartments found and the flights booked.
Medellín is the city of “eternal spring”, where the weather always puts you in a good mood. Our talents simply brought the sun in their hearts with them. We wish you a good start at work! We are proud of you, you are going your own way!