From Personal Challenges to a Community Supporting International Healthcare Professionals in Germany

The network was founded based on the personal experience of its founder, Prof. Dr. Nabeel Farhan. Nabeel Farhan, a specialist in neurosurgery, came to Germany from Mecca at the age of 17 to study medicine. On his path from studies through doctorate and specialist training to professorship, he experienced the diverse obstacles that international healthcare professionals face in social and professional integration in Germany.
At that time, structures for targeted support of international healthcare professionals were barely developed. To close this gap, Nabeel Farhan founded the Freiburg International Academy, which supports international healthcare professionals on their path to professional recognition through personal consultation and guidance as well as (professional) language qualification. The close exchange with the numerous course participants at FIA showed how important a stable and well-connected environment among immigrant professionals is for successful integration and professional entry in Germany.
This is how the idea of the Freiburger Bund was born: experienced healthcare professionals from abroad who have already established themselves in Germany support newly arrived individuals with practical knowledge and targeted assistance.