Doctor leaves Serbian hospital for Montenegro, citing better pay and conditions

Tatjana Vešović, who led the gynecology and obstetrics clinic at the Vršac General Hospital in Serbia for many years, has resigned and relocated to Montenegro, just two years before her planned retirement. She is now working at a state hospital in Bar, where her husband, radiologist Goran Vešović, has also found employment.

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I must admit that it is easier to breathe here.

Dr. Vešović explained to Nova.rs that while she had no complaints about her former hospital or her career there, life in Montenegro is "easier to breathe." She believes the system in Montenegro better retains both young and experienced doctors. "They try to systematically improve healthcare, retain staff, attract young people, and also us older ones who can teach them," she said.

She described a more positive atmosphere in Montenegro, characterized by collegiality, mutual respect, and management support. "The administration fights to improve every service. If there is no support from above, everything collapses. The voices of those who do the work must be heard. In Serbia, no one listens to us, and that is one of the biggest problems driving us away," Vešović stated.

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The atmosphere is better, there is collegiality, mutual respect and support from the management.

The financial aspect was a significant factor. Basic salaries for specialists in Montenegro range from 2,000 to 2,500 euros, with potential to reach 3,500 euros with bonuses and overtime. Subspecialists can earn up to 4,500 euros. This is considerably higher than in Serbia, where pay scales do not adequately reward decades of experience. "In Serbia, we all have the same percentage increase, regardless of years of work. That is humiliating," she said.

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In Serbia, no one listens to us, and that is one of the biggest problems driving us away.

Beyond finances, the move was also personal. Vešović spent childhood summers in Bar, and her husband is from Montenegro. "We planned to come here to live and work at some point." Additionally, Montenegrin law allows doctors to work two years past retirement age, a benefit not available in Serbia. Vešović cautioned that while Montenegro's healthcare system is not perfect, it has prioritized retaining doctors, attracting experienced professionals from Serbia who also serve as mentors for younger colleagues.

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Specialists can earn up to 3,500, and subspecialists up to 4,500 euros per month.