In France, to become a respirologist, you need to complete a long course of medical studies. This apprenticeship enables students to acquire all the technical skills and human qualities essential to the practice of this profession. This is what we defined in our job description for a lung specialist. Since it's not always easy to find one's way through the many options offered by this course, it was time for us to write an article to help make things a little clearer.
What is a pneumologist?
A pneumologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases. Whether working in a public hospital or a private practice, their role is to heal and support patients throughout the entire care process. Thanks to cutting-edge technology and the highest standards, they are able to handle a wide range of cases, from the most benign to life-threatening emergencies. It is this expertise that lung specialists value through their long studies.
How to become a pneumologist?
General medical studies
Before entering higher education, aspiring respirologists must obtain a scientific baccalaureate. Once this has been completed, students wishing to pursue health studies can choose between two options:
- The Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique (PASS)
- Introduced in 2020 to replace the former Première Année Commune aux Études de Santé (PACES), the PASS is a year of study combining a health major with a minor from another discipline. This structure makes it possible to diversify skills and offer avenues for reorientation.
- Students are assessed on the basis of continuous assessment and final exams.
- Those who pass can go on to study in the health sector.
- Those who fail can reorient themselves towards their minor before, if they so wish, trying their luck again.
- The PASS approach reduces the pressure of the former PACES exam, while diversifying students' skills.
- The Licence with Health Access (L.AS)
- Introduced in 2020 to diversify the range of training courses available in health studies, the L.AS is a course combining any major (law, humanities, economics, etc.) with a specific health minor (biology, physiology, etc.).
- At the end of the first, second or third year, and if they have passed the minimum requirements, students can apply for health studies. They then sit specific exams. Depending on their performance, they may be rejected or admitted to the second year of medical school.
- The L.AS allows students to follow a diversified pathway, encouraging skills development and reorientation.
After the PASS or the L.AS (see above), general medical studies are divided into two parts:
- The Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Médicales (DFGSM) : a three-year course (the PASS and L.AS count as the first) comprising theoretical courses in medical sciences and clinical placements in hospitals.
- Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Médicales (DFASM): a direct continuation of the DFGSM, this is a three-year course of study incorporating specialist courses and advanced internships in various hospital departments.
Externship examinations
During the final year of the second cycle, students must pass a series of tests which, depending on their results and rankings, will enable them to choose their specialty, as well as their city. Here's the list:
- Épreuves dématérialisées nationales (EDN): these take place in October and account for 60% of the final grade. To pass, students must obtain a mark of at least 14/20 in the theoretical knowledge required by all doctors, regardless of their specialty.
- Objective and Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE): these are held in May and account for 30% of the final grade. They test students' ability to develop clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills. The minimum mark is 10/20.
- University course mark: this continuous assessment takes into account the student's commitment, curriculum, mobility and level of English, and accounts for 10% of the final mark.
Specialization in pneumology
Once they have completed their general medical studies , students specializing in pneumology enter a five-year residency program. This course is divided into theoretical and practical training:
- Theoreticaltraining : interns follow theoretical courses covering the various aspects of pulmonology. They attend seminars and conferences to keep abreast of the latest advances and research in the field.
- Practicaltraining : Respirology interns participate in the work of various health services.
Respiratory interns must also write and defend a thesis in order to obtain their doctorate. On completion of this specialization, interns are awarded the Diplôme d'Études Spécialisées en Pneumologie (DES).
Want to find out more? Find out more on our pneumologist salary page!
Further training
Once you've obtained your DES and registered with the Ordre des Médecins, you can continue your training to specialize in pediatric respirology, pneumo-allergology or pneumo-oncology, and enhance your skills and know-how on the job market .
The skills needed to become a pneumologist
By the end of their academic career in pulmonology, students must have mastered techniques such as spirometry, blood gasometry and the interpretation of medical images. They also need to be well-informed about drugs specific to respiratory diseases, such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids, as well as prescribing and monitoring treatment.
Playing an important role in the detection and prevention of serious respiratory diseases, notably lung cancer, the pulmonologist must be able to manage the long-term follow-up of chronic diseases, continually adapting treatments and advising patients on the necessary lifestyle adjustments.
Finally, training will enable them to acquire essential human skills such as empathy, listening and communication. They will also need to know how to manage stress and emotions, remain patient and perseverant in the face of the challenges of long-term follow-up, work effectively in a team and make informed decisions about their patients' health.
Career opportunities and prospects
Pulmonologists' careers are rich in opportunities, both in terms of practice structures and specializations. Pulmonologists can work in public hospitals, private clinics, private practices or rehabilitation centers.
These locations will enable these specialists to vary their tasks and therefore their daily routine, to offer a rich and fulfilling career over the long term.
In short, pulmonology studies are among the most difficult in the French university system. Fortunately, the 11 years of study required to become a pneumologist lead to a rich and fulfilling career. It's a profession full of discoveries to be made, cases to be treated and variations. It is one of the most complex medical specialties, but also one of the most sought-after and respected. All of which justifies the high level of expertise expected during the academic curriculum.
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Pneumologist - Toulouse 31
Employee
7500 - 7500 per month
Toulouse
Job Pneumologist - Toulouse 31 We are recruiting a pulmonologist M/F to join a multidisciplinary health center in Toulouse, in the Haute-Garonne region, on a full-time or part-time permanent contract. DNA of the structure You will be joining a multidisciplinary healthcare center, located in premises of around 400 m². It includes - 7 practices dedicated to general medicine - Paramedical and women's health areas - A practitioners' rest room - A sports room dedicated to caregivers - Basement parking reserved for doctors - Health-sports classes (pregnant women, post-partum, seniors) - A women's health center The organization is designed to enable doctors to concentrate solely on their practice, thanks to a centralized secretariat and the presence of medical assistants who handle pre-consultations and file updates. Description and responsibilities You will join a multidisciplinary team comprising 2 general practitioners, 1 nurse, 1 physiotherapist, 1 psychologist, 2 medical secretaries, 2 medical assistants, 1 midwife, 4 osteopaths, 1 sports coach and 1 midwife sports coach. You'll be in charge of pediatric consultations in fully equipped, ready-to-use practices. Your main tasks will be to - Provide pneumology consultations - Work as part of a multidisciplinary team - Participate in the center's medical dynamics As mentioned above, you will have the choice between full-time or part-time work (between 2 and 5 days a week). In all cases, your schedule will be stable and established in advance. The health center can also provide training courses. Compensation For this position, you will receive a salary of around €5500 net per month for an FTE, adjustable according to your experience and working hours. Benefits - Stable salaried position - Zero administrative burden - Turnkey offices - Modern, comfortable premises - Dedicated gym for caregivers - Private underground parking - Team of medical assistants - Participation in a founding medical project - A center designed for caregivers Profile sought Qualified pneumologist with a state diploma, registered with the Ordre des Médecins. Contact us on O7 44 71 65 O8 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference: 11551 Candidates from the European Union: JoberGroup, leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your activity: - Language training (Level B2) - Contact with our partner teachers - Follow-up for registration with the French Medical Association - Dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Benefit from a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
ENT M/F - Villeneuve la Garenne 92
Liberal
4000 - 8000 per month
Villeneuve-la-Garenne
A multidisciplinary medical establishment in Villeneuve la Garenne, Hauts-de-Seine, is looking for its new ENT M/F for a freelance collaboration. Terms and conditions - Private practice - Free organization according to availability - Opening hours: 8am to midnight weekdays and 8:30am to 5pm weekends) The structure This is a new-generation multidisciplinary medical center offering a comprehensive range of services, including specialized medicine, unscheduled medicine, sleep medicine and women's medicine. The 400 m² center features dedicated areas for consultations, technical procedures and rest, plus an on-site secretariat. In addition, accessibility is facilitated by its proximity to major roads and the presence of a parking lot. Remuneration - Up to 70% gross of sales Duties - Provide specialized ear, nose and throat consultations - Perform technical procedures compatible with the center's technical platform - Participate in the management of unscheduled medical procedures - Collaborate with medical assistants for pre-consultation and assistance with examinations - Coordinate care with the multidisciplinary team and hospital partners - Develop a specific activity within the establishment, depending on the project The advantages - Modern, spacious 400 m² center - On-site secretariat and complete administrative management - Dedicated medical assistants for pre-consultation and examination support - High-performance software for seamless practice - High patient flow and diversity of activities - Easy access via main roads and parking lot - Professional civil liability and professional association fees covered Our equipment - ECG - Ultrasound - ECG and blood pressure Holter - Spirometer - Stress test - Biological examination platform (BU, ECBU) A little something extra The center is located on the banks of the Seine, in the immediate vicinity of Paris and the business district, offering quick access to transport and opportunities for riverside walks for your moments of relaxation. Profile required ENT qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the Ordre. Contact us on: 07 44 71 65 08 or by e-mail at [email protected] Reference: 12541 Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, leader in the integration of healthcare professionals in France, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your activity: - Introduction to our partner teachers - Follow-up for registration with the French Medical Association - Dedicated consultant to support you Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Benefit from a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Pneumologist M/F - Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume 83
Liberal
9000 - 15000 per month
Pourcieux
A medical practice in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume is looking for its new pulmonologist M/F for a full-time or part-time private practice, offering a wide choice between sector 1 or 2. Structure DNA You'll be working in a high-end facility covering an area of 1,600 m². The site includes a 15-booth hemodialysis center and a dental center, offering a truly multidisciplinary range of care. The common areas are well appointed, with designer furniture, a premium reception desk and a comfortable lounge. In addition, the facility has a stretcher-friendly elevator, an on-site secretariat and a nurse's office. You'll work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals on site, such as general practitioners, cardiologists, gynecologists, dieticians and surgeons. Last but not least, the facility boasts a full range of modern technical equipment, including a high-performance ultrasound scanner. All in all, Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume is a sunny town with a pleasant natural setting and all the amenities you need to thrive. Description and duties - Provide pneumological consultations and patient follow-up - Work closely with on-site specialists to provide referrals and coordinated care - Participate in the organization of patient care in conjunction with the secretariat and the nursing office Compensation For this position, you will be paid a monthly rent of €2,000 (excluding VAT), including charges (secretarial, office automation, elevator and cleaning). Benefits - Modern technical platform - Top-of-the-range premises - Secretariat - Multidisciplinary team Profile sought Respirologist qualified in France or the European Union, registered or eligible for registration with the Ordre. Contact us on: 07 44 71 65 08 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference : 11976 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Benefit from a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with. Candidates from the European Union: Jober Group, France's leading recruitment agency for healthcare professionals, supports you free of charge right up to the start of your business: - Introduction to our partner teachers - Follow-up for registration with the French Medical Association - Dedicated consultant to support you.
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