Elke Longin

My name is Elke Longin. I am from Germany and I am head of the Paediatric Department at the hospital in Hjørring.

I moved to Denmark in 2007 after graduating as a paediatric specialist in Germany. I started working at the hospital as a paediatric specialist in a team of about 15 doctors with a wide range of nationalities. After two years working in this position I was promoted to Senior Physician, and just five years later I was promoted to Head of the Paediatric Department.

My reasons for moving to the very north of Denmark together with my husband were more private than motivated by my work situation in Germany. We had spent many holidays here in the past, and we fell in love with the northern part of the country, with the ocean nearby and the friendly people living here.

Flat structure - and the bosses take care of you

I didn’t know very much about the work situation at the hospital, and I have been very positively surprised by the flat management structure, the fact that the bosses take care of the concerns of every single member of staff – and, last but not least, the way that working hours are kept to the rules you have in your contract.

Professional and qualified work

I was also impressed by the professional and qualified work that is done here, even though the hospital in Hjørring is not part of a university.

Everyone has the opportunity to take part in further education and advanced training. Scientific and applied research is appreciated a lot here, and if you are interested and motivated there are many opportunities to further your career.

I have never had any problems in this field even though I am a foreigner. If you are considering working here I can strongly recommend it. The hospital here is a wonderful workplace, the area is beautiful and the people are friendly and open.

Bio

Elke Longin, aged 49, married

Lives with her German husband on a small farm close to Hjørring, one of the largest towns in North Denmark.

Qualified as a doctor from the University of Mannheim in 1998, and as a specialist from Heidelberg University in 2007.

Elke’s husband is a mathematician and artist, producing furniture in metal and wood.

Elke loves the countryside, and spends a lot of time outdoors running, thinking, and relaxing. She also enjoys playing the guitar, swimming and gardening.

Together Elke and her husband have 11 sheep, 12 chickens, three cats and a dog.





Elke Longin lives on a small farm close to Hjørring, one of the largest towns in North Denmark. She loves the countryside, and enjoys running, swimming and relaxing

The farm has – besides Elke and her husband – 11 sheep, 12 chickens, three cats and a dog