Medical Scholarship Program of Oberberg District Currently, all scholarship slots are filled.

Oberbergischer Kreis. When the Oberbergischer Kreis launched the Medical Scholarship Program 2025 to increase the willingness of prospective doctors to settle in the rural area of the Oberbergischer Kreis as specialists in general medicine or pediatrics, or to work in these fields, there was a justified hope that the program would be well-received. „The number of applications surprised us. We are supporting nine prospective doctors through the study grants and twelve doctors in training. Local medical care is a key component of public services.“, said District Administrator Klaus Grootens, pleased with the positive response. Health Officer Ralf Schmallenbach added: „With the Medical Scholarship Program, we are investing specifically in the future of healthcare provision in the Oberbergischer Kreis. The high level of interest confirms that we are on the right path with this initiative.“

Kaija Elvermann, Head of the Public Health Office, added: „Fortunately, we have consistently received a steady stream of applications from the beginning. Since the students and training assistants commit to practicing medicine in the district area in the mentioned fields for the duration of the funding, the number of funding approvals has secured many months and years of medical practice for the Oberbergischer Kreis.“

The program supports students from the Physikum stage, training assistants, and medical interns. The funding slots with a monthly grant of 600 euros for students and training assistants have now all been allocated. However, there are still a few funding slots available for medical interns, who receive a one-time grant of 600 euros.

In addition to financial support, the program aims to provide beneficiaries access to a network important to them. For this reason, networking events are planned twice a year. The first of its kind took place on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. It started at 3 PM with a guided tour of the treetop path in the Panarbora Nature Adventure Park in Waldbröl. Afterwards, everyone gathered informally for a barbecue, getting to know each other and exchanging ideas. „We are delighted with the many participants, which include not only the scholarship recipients and district members but also several practicing doctors, the General Practitioners' Association, and the North Rhine Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians,“ said Project Manager Dr. Jessica Möltgen.

Once the first scholarship recipients complete their training in the coming years and funding becomes available again, the district administration will provide information (see also www.medizinstipendium-obk.de).