So let’s say you are doctor and you consider moving abroad in order to benefit of high quality working conditions and high pay. Have you considered Norway?
When considering moving to Norway, there is always one deciding factor that comes to mind – the quality of life – an aspect that should make you choose Norway over any other country:
1. Time. In the modern world time is priceless. Everyone wants it and those who have it don’t have enough of it. More time is what you will find you have in Norway. The regular shops aren’t open Sundays, neither are a lot of cafes, bakeries or restaurants. A few of them might be open here and there but these are rare ore have a season of Sunday openings for tourists in the summer. There is no such thing as 24 hour shopping. Regular stores close by 3pm, businesses by 4 pm, shopping centers by 8pm and supermarkets by 10/11pm. This slows down life dramatically. Suddenly you have more time because there is no time to pop down the shop or to have breakfast in a bakery all of a sudden there is time to read that book or to go for a hike or to paint the house. Time is something that Norwegians have more than most other Western countries. Time is treasured as a Norwegian past-time.
2. Space. Traditionally Norwegian houses were built small to retain heat in the cold winters. Nowadays it is popular to have lounge rooms with open plan living. Even though the space inside is getting bigger, the space outside has always been a wilderness. Just outside the door are forests and lakes, mountains and fjords. If not then they are just up the road. It’s easy to go somewhere and be the only one in the park or on the beach. There is good distance between cities and towns. The people of Norway are spread out along the countryside. It is typical to see a string of houses along the longest fjord or a tiny glow of light between the mountains from an airplane. Peace and Tranquility is something that is in abundance in Norway and so is enjoying your own company.
3. Leisure. Even though Norway has a cold climate most leisure activities are outdoors. Snow sports in the winter and water sports in the summer. All unorganized sports and activities seem to be about getting out in nature. Kayaking, mountain biking, sailing, ice fishing, snow-mobiling. Going swimming at the pool and having saunas are usual weekly activities especially during the winter. Many people play indoor sports such as volleyball, soccer and even Frisbee. It is common to play on a sport team with you co-workers. Even though the water is usually too cold at the beach for a dip, it certainly doesn’t stop people from barbequing, sunbathing or playing volleyball. Municipalities even encourage people with community competitions. The best part is that all this leisure isn’t saved up for the holidays, it is an everyday thing, because of the time and space that Norway has to offer.
4. Health. It is a well-known fact that Norwegians are pretty healthy people. It is largely because of the inconvenience of Norway – there are only two fast food chains in Norway, McDonalds and Burger King which are only in certain cities. There is a lot of snow in winter so it takes so much more energy just to walk anywhere and food prices are very high so over-eating is out of the question. There are also many cultural habits that help keep Norwegians healthy. In Norway a swig of oil a day keeps the doctor away. 
Kindergarten children are kicked outside to play come rain hail or snow. It is fun to get around in winter to work or school on skis or sleds. During the summer the sun is up till all wee hours of the night and it is common to see Norwegians still out and about jogging or roller-skiing. The health of the Norwegians is obviously influenced by their active lifestyle, diet, which consists largely of fish, is also a great contributing factor.
Health is also relative to the environment. Norway has very clean water and fresh air. There is a strong recycled waste program and because of the health care system Norwegians things checked out before they become a major health issue. Norwegians are taught the tricks of the trade in living in a cold climate to prevent problems such as using cold creams and wearing wool. The general health of Norwegians is very noticeable when you come to Norway.
5. Nature. It is no doubt that the nature of Norway is one of it’s most prized possessions. I’ve heard many people say that they nearly cried the first time they saw the mountains and the fjords. Norway is one of the great beauties of the world and is certainly the place that can give great joy by just walking outside. The climate is very cold and snowy in the winter but ever so beautiful. The summers are mild but bright. The landscape dramatically changes in each season which is a delight. If you don’t like nature then Norway isn’t the place for you but if you love it you will be in heaven.
6. Tradition. Norway is packed with rich history and tradition. It is so easy to get fascinated by the Vikings and their runes, the Sami culture and the stories about the Nordmen with their superstitions and traditions.
7. Family. Norway is a great environment to raise a family. It has very low crime, free health and education and the government focuses on opportunities for children. The family unit is very important in Norway. Not so much the extended family as in other countries, but parents and children seem to be close knit. Most families have one or two children. Parents give a lot of time to their children, taking them out into the wilderness and teaching them about the land and the culture. Parents are quick in putting their kids into childcare, as they are eager to continue their career but they also consider that the quicker the children adapt to society’s rules and customs the easier their life will be. It is common to see parents playing with their children and participating in outdoor activities. You’ll often see parents putting toddlers on sleds which are strapped around the parents waist for Winter hiking trips. Parents are involved in kindergarten activities and also attend community events. Kids are trusted by their parents and the safe community makes it possible for children to play without supervision in parks and on sledding hills. Parents support their kids in out of school activities. There is no yelling or screaming or public disciplining. It is nice to have a culture where kids are not yelled at or smacked, especially in public. When kids reach their teenage years they are naturally given a lot more independence.
If you are a specialist doctor and seek a medical career in Norway or Sweden we would like to inform you that we currently have vacant positions in the fields of Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, Hematology Oncology, Endocrinology, Nefrology, Psychiatry, Pediatric Psychiatry and Radiology
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