For foreign doctors wishing to settle in France, understanding the organization of working hours and the leave system is essential. These elements determine not only the quality of life but also the balance between personal and professional life.
Working hours in French hospitals
In France, the legal working duration is 35 hours per week. However, for hospital doctors, the organization is particular and may include:
- Night and weekend on-call duties.
- Overtime, compensated with pay or time off.
- A flexible schedule according to the service needs and specialty.
The rules aim to balance continuity of care and the health protection of practitioners.
Annual leave
Like any employee in France, hospital doctors are entitled to 5 weeks of paid leave per year. In addition, there are:
- Public holidays (on average 11 per year).
- RTT (reduction in working time) to compensate for hours beyond the 35 hours.
- Specific leave: maternity, paternity, training, etc.
Work-life balance
One of the attractions of the French system is the desire to preserve practitioners' balance. Leave is guaranteed by law, and hospitals implement schedules to ensure both continuity of care and rest for medical teams.
Preparing to settle in France
To plan your professional and personal project, it is recommended to inquire beforehand about:
- Salary simulators to anticipate your income.
- Housing advice to facilitate your settlement.
- Medical French courses for better language integration.
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