German Doctor Thrives in Estonia: A Journey of Adaptation and Success

Tallinn, Estonia – Dr. Thomas Zimmerer, a German physician, has made a name for himself in Estonia since relocating from Germany in 2016. With a flourishing career at East Tallinn Central Hospital, Zimmerer has not only earned the trust of his patients but has also mastered the Estonian language, establishing a strong bond with the community around him.

From Germany to Estonia

Growing up in Bad Mergentheim, a small German town bordering Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, Zimmerer's journey to Estonia has been shaped by personal connections. He met his wife, who is Estonian, in Heidelberg in 2000 while they were both studying at university. After living in Mannheim for fourteen years and welcoming two sons together, the family decided to move to Estonia, a choice influenced by their frequent visits to the country, often to spend time with family.

“On our arrival, my father-in-law picked us up and took us past the German embassy,” Zimmerer remembers. “It was his way of saying, ‘Look, you’re not alone here!’”

Embracing a New Culture

Despite concerns of potential culture shock, among other factors, Dr. Zimmerer found a familiar cultural landscape in Estonia. He notes that similarities between German and Estonian cultural spaces eased his transition. "Estonia is constantly changing and evolving," he observes, contrasting it with the more static nature of German towns. "Tallinn gets almost a new face every morning," he adds with a hint of exaggeration.

Building Connections Through Language

Language has generally not presented an obstacle for Dr. Zimmerer. He is fluent in Estonian and interacts effectively with his patients. Acknowledging that he occasionally struggles with Russian in his practice, he expresses gratitude for the support he receives from colleagues, particularly nurses and clinic assistants, who assist in translating when necessary. "Their help is invaluable for both me and the patients," he states.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Zimmerer was awarded the title of Doctor of the Year at the East Tallinn Central Hospital’s year-end ceremony in 2021. ### Perception as a Foreign Doctor

Patients at the hospital seem to view Dr. Zimmerer’s background positively. "They notice I am not Estonian, but it seems to be a point of pride for them, as I speak flawless Estonian," he reflects. His commitment to learning the language has played a significant role in his professional success, a journey that was aided by reading children’s literature to his sons.

Maintaining Connections with Germany

While Zimmerer has not actively pursued events organized by the German embassy in Estonia, he visits Germany regularly with his family, enjoying quality time with relatives. He notes a difference in the demeanor of expatriate Germans compared to other nationalities, joking about a Latvian colleague's excitement whenever he meets another Latvian.

Despite his fondness for Estonia, he admits to missing some specialty food shops from Germany, particularly for pastries and sausages. However, he finds that most daily experiences in Estonia resonate with his past.

Celebrating Traditions and Music

Dr. Zimmerer and his family engage with both Estonian and German traditions, only occasionally leaning towards customs that set them apart. “We have St. Nicholas Day, which differs slightly from Estonia’s way of celebrating, but otherwise, our traditions align quite nicely,” he shares.

Although forming close friendships in Estonia has proven challenging due to his busy lifestyle, he values the acquaintanceships built with colleagues. He enjoys various forms of Estonian music, expressing appreciation for local venues like Philly Joe’s Jazz Club and iconic composers like Arvo Pärt.

Conclusion

Dr. Thomas Zimmerer’s experience in Estonia highlights the intersection of cultures and the ways individuals can adapt and thrive in a new environment. His journey reflects not just personal growth but also the rich tapestry of life in Estonia, as part of the government-supported “Estonia with Many Faces” media program, which celebrates the nation’s diversity and cultural heritage.