Young Internists Group - Slovenia
Historic Introduction
Slovenia does not yet have a specific Young Internist group. Trainees and specialists work under the Slovenian Association of Internists, which traces its origins back to the founding of the Internal Medicine Section in 1950. However, the section ceased activity in 1969 due to fragmentation into subspecialties. In 1988, it was revitalised with a renewed mission to unify internists across subspecialties under one professional organisation. This reestablishment marked a commitment to advancing internal medicine through education, collaboration, and representation. It also actively participates in international congresses, contributing to the global advancement of internal medicine.
Present Chair and Board Members (in 2026)
- Chair of the Association: prof. Radovan Hojs, MD, PhD
- Young Internist representative: asist. Tadej Petreski, MD, PhD
National Activities and Responsibilities
The Slovenian Association of Internists organises annual seminars and congresses intended for all internal medicine subspecialties and general practitioners. The group collaborates with EFIM and regularly participates in ECIMs, allowing young Slovenian internists to engage in international research and exchange programs.
General Contacts
- Association chair mail: radovan.hojs@guest.arnes.si
- YI representative mail: tadej.petreski@gmail.com
Internal Medicine Residency in Slovenia
The internal medicine residency program in Slovenia lasts six years and includes rotations in various subspecialties. Twice yearly, candidates are selected through a national application process, focusing on grades obtained during medical faculty education, research achievements before application, and a personal interview. The residency programme ends with a formal theoretical and practical exam, after which the resident is rewarded with a specialist licence.
All internal medicine subspecialties have a common rotation trunk that lasts two years; later, they proceed to specific branches for four years. Specifically, Internal medicine focuses on further education in all subspecialties for three additional years. Then, a one-year elective is added for further education in a subspecific branch where the trainee will work. The program emphasises clinical training, research involvement, and teamwork, preparing residents for independent practice. The Association has prepared a renewed residency programme, which is waiting for approval shortly.
Moving to Slovenia for Training or Work
Slovenia offers a welcoming environment for medical professionals wishing to train or work. EU citizens can easily apply for recognition of their medical qualifications, while non-EU applicants must undergo an equivalence and licensing process, including a knowledge exam and language proficiency in Slovene. Further information is available at: https://www.zdravniskazbornica.si/en/medical-chamber-of-slovenia.
Slovenia also provides ample opportunities for research and practice in its well-equipped hospitals, mainly the two University Medical Centres in Ljubljana and Maribor.
The best way to travel to Slovenia is by plane. Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) is Slovenia’s main international airport, about 25 km from Ljubljana. It connects to European cities like Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Zurich, and London. Nearby Airports from neighbouring countries include Zagreb (Croatia), Graz (Austria), Vienna (Austria), Budapest (Hungary), Venice (Italy), or Trieste (Italy). Due to its central European location, it is also easily reachable by train, car, or bus.
Prepared by Slovenia´s YI representative asist. Tadej Petreski, MD, PhD, April 2026