Auxiliary medicine
Auxiliary medicine lets medical students gain hands-on experience within the healthcare system.
Who is an abiarst?
An abiarst (assistant doctor) is a medical student who takes part in providing healthcare without formal registration as a healthcare worker. A student may work as an abiarst once they have completed at least their fourth year of study and work under a supervising physician. Auxiliary medicine was enabled by legislation passed in 2011.
Key milestones
- 2011 — legislation enabling auxiliary medicine.
- 2017 — abiarsts gained access to the national digital health information system.
- 2021 — abiarsts gained cross-institution access to digital health records, and a minimum abiarst wage was included in the healthcare collective agreement for the first time — at least 60% of the physician minimum wage.
Goals
- Expand employment opportunities for abiarsts.
- Secure state funding for abiarst positions.
- Define the abiarst role in law with clearer rights and duties.
- Continue preparatory training.
Contact
Project lead Helen Talvistu — abiarst@eays.ee