The first year of residency is the initial stage of specialization in Iceland and serves as a period of experience and learning for newly graduated doctors. During this time, interns can apply the knowledge gained in their basic medical education, deepen their understanding of clinical medicine, and acquire experience valuable for independent practice, further specialization, and their future work as physicians.

Throughout the program, doctors encounter a wide range of cases, from common minor injuries to complex multiple traumas, diverse medical conditions, and specialized problems. This provides them with the opportunity to enhance their skills, expand their knowledge, refine their professional conduct, and grow and develop in their role as doctors.

Presentation

• Presentation on the foundation year of specialization in Iceland 2025-2026

Locations

• Health Care Center

• Hospital in Akranes (HVE)

• South Iceland Health Institution (HSU)

• Hospital in Akureyri (SAK)

• Landspitali - University Hospital (LSH)

All training sites are approved by the Evaluation and Credentials Committee as fully accredited training facilities. They are staffed by specialist physicians with extensive knowledge and experience in all major fields of medicine. Each site has trained and experienced supervisors who ensure that foundation year residents receive the best possible training and mentorship during the year.

Application

Positions in the Icelandic residency foundation year are advertised in September. Applications are generally for 12-month appointments starting in mid-June or later.

The process

• Applications must be submitted via Starfatorg. Online applications open when residency foundation year positions have been formally advertised and close when the application deadline passes.

  Applicants must:

  1. Complete the attachment form for the Icelandic residency foundation year 2025–2026

  2. Provide other supporting documents specified in the form

  3. Send them by email to sigruni@landspitali.is. and violetta.osk.hlodversdottir@heilsugaeslan.is according to the instructions at the bottom of the form.

  References from at least two individuals who know the applicant well in work or studies must be sent directly to sigruni@landspitali.is. Instructions for referees are available at:

• Icelandic (doc)

• English (doc)

• Danish (doc)

The documents are filled out in Word and must be stored in a computer before they are sent.

Outside the regular application period, it is possible to request late processing by sending inquiries to sigruni@landspitali.is, preferably with the attachment form and other application documents (see item 7 in the attachment form).

Reception days

The schedule for the orientation days is specifically designed with the needs of foundation year specialists in mind and is aimed at both work in hospitals and health care centers. It is mandatory to attend these days before starting work in the departments and positions.

Work in the wards usually begins on the first working day after the orientation days or at a later deadline in the block. Possible start dates are indicated in the accompanying document that must be submitted with the application.