Close Menu
News JournosNews Journos
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
Editors Picks

CEO of Manufacturing Firm Sues Trump Over Tariffs, Warns of Catastrophic Impact on 500 Jobs

April 25, 2025

Former CIA Chief Highlights Chinese Espionage Threat to U.S. Military

May 30, 2025

Trump Envoy Discusses Stalled Peace Talks with Putin in Russia

April 11, 2025

Trump Threatens to Withdraw $3B in Funding Over Dispute on Foreign Student Records

May 26, 2025

Police Officers File Lawsuit for Court Order to Display Jan. 6 Plaque at U.S. Capitol

June 12, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Latest Headlines:
  • COVID Mask Mandates Reinstated in Blue-State County Due to Increased Risk
  • Boston Pro-Palestinian Protest Escalates into Violent Riot, 13 Arrested
  • Israel Commemorates Two Years Since Hamas Attack Amid Ongoing Gaza War Reflections
  • Stellantis Faces Major Data Breach Affecting Third-Party Information
  • FBI Arrests Dozens of Gang Leaders in Major Mexican Mafia Operation in Los Angeles
  • UK Police Disrupt Gang Allegedly Smuggling 40,000 Stolen Phones to China
  • Tesla Cuts Model Y Standard Price Below $40,000
  • Turkey to Supply Rare Earth Elements to the U.S. Amid Court of Accounts Findings
  • U.S.-Mexico Border Illegal Crossings Reach Lowest Level Since 1970
  • Nexstar Acquires Tegna for $6.2 Billion
  • Bob Ross Paintings Auctioned to Support Public TV Stations Following Funding Cuts
  • Excitement and Concerns Surround OpenAI’s Sora 2 and New AI Video Tools
  • Netanyahu Commemorates Two Years Since October 7 Attack, Declares Resilience Against Adversaries
  • Helicopter Crash on Sacramento Freeway Leaves Three Critically Injured
  • Global M&A Activity Surges Amid Megadeals and Rate-Cut Expectations
  • Tech Companies Report Earnings Amid Market Fluctuations
  • Gold Prices Surge, Prompting Warnings from Jewelry Industry
  • Israel Government Labels Zohran Mamdani as Hamas Spokesperson
  • CoolKicks Founder Arrested for Receiving Stolen Nike Goods Worth $500K
  • Hurricane Priscilla Strengthens Over Pacific, Forecast Path Revealed
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
News JournosNews Journos
Subscribe
Wednesday, October 8
  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Turkey Reports
  • Money Watch
  • Health
News JournosNews Journos
You are here: News Journos » Europe News » One-Third of European Doctors Over 55: Countries Most Affected by Aging Workforce Identified
One-Third of European Doctors Over 55: Countries Most Affected by Aging Workforce Identified

One-Third of European Doctors Over 55: Countries Most Affected by Aging Workforce Identified

News EditorBy News EditorMay 10, 2025 Europe News 7 Mins Read
ADVERTISEMENT

In 2022, a concerning trend emerged within the healthcare landscape of the European Union (EU): a significant number of physicians are aging. According to the ‘Health at a Glance: Europe 2024’ report co-authored by the OECD and the European Commission, approximately 35% of the EU’s doctors are aged 55 and older, with this figure soaring above 40% in several major member states. This aging trend poses substantial risks to the sustainability of healthcare systems across Europe, especially against a backdrop of increasing demands for healthcare services.

As experts warn, the demographic shift is compounded by existing shortages of healthcare workers, which raises serious questions about future healthcare delivery. This article examines the current state of the medical workforce in Europe, exploring not just the data on aging doctors but also the reasons behind these trends, the implications for the healthcare system, and possible solutions.

The issue is multifaceted, with varied impacts seen across different countries, particularly in terms of policy and economic investment in medical training. It is essential to address these disparities to ensure a robust healthcare workforce capable of meeting the needs of an aging population.

Article Subheadings
1) Majority of doctors in Italy and Bulgaria are over 55
2) Germany and France report high shares of older doctors
3) Doctors aged 65+ make up 1 in 5 in several countries
4) Why is the share of older doctors so different across Europe?
5) Nurses ageing slower than doctors

Majority of doctors in Italy and Bulgaria are over 55

The statistics reveal a concerning disparity in the age demographics of doctors across Europe. For instance, data indicates that the share of doctors aged 55 and older ranges significantly from 21% in Romania to an alarming 54% in both Bulgaria and Italy. In a broader comparison, the UK, taking into account data from 2021 and including candidate countries and EFTA nations, reported the lowest proportion at merely 14%, followed closely by Turkey at 15%.

This significant gap can be attributed to structural differences in medical education and workforce policies. According to Dr. Alessandra Spedicato, President of the European Federation of Salaried Doctors (FEMS), various factors such as the number of postgraduate training contracts and the overall attractiveness of a country for foreign-educated doctors play crucial roles in this disparity. While Italy has faced a reduction in medical training contracts due to insufficient investment, countries like the UK have implemented measures that make the medical field more appealing to young professionals.

As underscored in the report, it is imperative that policymakers address these disparities to safeguard the future of healthcare in Europe.

Germany and France report high shares of older doctors

The situation is equally critical in nations like Germany and France, where nearly half of the doctors are aged 55 and over, with figures standing at 44% and 43% respectively. Other countries with notable proportions exceeding 40% include Latvia, Estonia, Hungary, Belgium, Czechia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, and Cyprus. Interestingly, all Nordic countries reported lower averages, with Norway and Finland at just 24%.

The implication of these figures is profound, as an aging medical workforce could potentially limit the availability of healthcare services, particularly in countries already facing shortages. Research suggests that higher proportions of older doctors may lead to reduced patient care accessibility and increased wait times, thereby exacerbating existing healthcare challenges.

In light of this data, it remains essential for EU countries to engage in proactive workforce planning aimed at attracting younger practitioners into the field.

Doctors aged 65+ make up 1 in 5 in several countries

The aging medical workforce crisis takes on additional gravity when considering the prevalence of older medical professionals. In numerous European nations, a staggering one in five doctors is aged 65 and older. Specifically, 11 EU countries indicate that the share of doctors in this age bracket exceeds 18%; in most cases, it surpasses 20%. The highest percentage is found in Italy, where 27% of doctors fall within this age category according to Eurostat.

Particularly alarming is the data regarding younger doctors, where Malta leads with the highest proportion of doctors under 35 years old at 46%, trailed by Romania at 34%. Conversely, countries like Italy, France, and Germany report significantly lower younger doctor representations, at 11%, 16%, and 20%, respectively. This discrepancy highlights the urgent need for policies aimed at rejuvenating the healthcare workforce and reversing the aging trend.

Why is the share of older doctors so different across Europe?

The striking differences in the share of older doctors across Europe can be linked to several interrelated factors, as articulated by Gaetan Lafortune, Coordinator of the ‘Health at a Glance: Europe’ report and Senior Economist at the OECD Health Division. One major factor is the variable entry rates into medical professions, which, in countries with constrained medical school seat availability or restricted residency programs, results in fewer young doctors qualifying to replace retiring members of the workforce. This dynamic is particularly concerning given the high demand for healthcare services in light of an aging population.

Moreover, retention rates also play a critical role in shaping these demographics. Factors such as poor work-life balance, excessive administrative burdens, and inadequate compensation in certain regions encourage younger doctors to leave the profession or migrate to countries offering better conditions. This phenomenon not only stifles the inflow of new talent but also skews the remaining workforce towards older practitioners.

Additionally, the policies regarding exit rates greatly influence workforce demographics. Some countries permit healthcare professionals to work beyond typical retirement ages, often incentivized by pension benefits, while others uphold strict retirement policies that limit the number of older practitioners.

Nurses ageing slower than doctors

An intriguing aspect to consider is that the aging trend among nurses appears to diverge significantly from that of doctors. In almost all countries with available data, the percentage of nurses over the age of 55 is generally lower than that of their physician counterparts, with the unweighted EU average being 24%. National statistics range widely from just 10% in Romania to as high as 39% in Latvia.

In Italy, for example, only 24% of nurses are over the age of 55, contrasting sharply with the 54% among doctors. This indicates a potential opportunity to address workforce gaps within nursing, thereby balancing the challenges posed by an aging physician demographic.

No. Key Points
1 A significant proportion (35%) of EU doctors are aged 55 or older, with even higher percentages in populous member states.
2 The share of doctors aged 65 and above is alarmingly high, with some countries reporting over 20% in this demographic.
3 Countries like Italy and Bulgaria face severe aging issues while others, such as the UK and Nordic nations, fare better.
4 Retention and entry rates of new doctors play a crucial role in shaping the age demographics of the medical workforce.
5 The nursing workforce appears to age at a slower rate compared to doctors, offering potential solutions to address physician shortages.

Summary

The issues surrounding the aging medical workforce in Europe are complex and demand immediate attention. With more than a third of doctors nearing retirement age, policymakers and healthcare institutions must strategize effectively to attract and retain younger professionals. Understanding the underlying causes of these demographic shifts will be critical in ensuring the sustainability of healthcare systems across Europe, amid growing challenges posed by an aging population. The varied ages of medical professionals across countries also suggest a need for tailored national policies that address unique economic and structural factors influencing each nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are the implications of an aging medical workforce?

An aging medical workforce poses significant risks to healthcare sustainability, including reduced patient access, longer wait times, and potential shortages of qualified practitioners.

Question: Why are some countries experiencing higher proportions of older doctors?

Countries with limited entry into medical professions, lower retention of new doctors, and strict retirement policies often exhibit higher proportions of older doctors due to a lack of younger practitioners entering the field.

Question: How does the distribution of younger doctors compare to older doctors in Europe?

In countries like Malta and Romania, younger doctors under the age of 35 make up a substantial proportion, highlighting disparities in workforce composition across the region.

Affected Aging Brexit Continental Affairs Countries Cultural Developments doctors Economic Integration Energy Crisis Environmental Policies EU Policies European European Leaders European Markets European Politics European Union Eurozone Economy Identified Infrastructure Projects International Relations Migration Issues OneThird Regional Cooperation Regional Security Social Reforms Technology in Europe Trade Agreements Workforce
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email Reddit WhatsApp Copy Link Bluesky
News Editor
  • Website

As the News Editor at News Journos, I am dedicated to curating and delivering the latest and most impactful stories across business, finance, politics, technology, and global affairs. With a commitment to journalistic integrity, we provide breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert insights to keep our readers informed in an ever-changing world. News Journos is your go-to independent news source, ensuring fast, accurate, and reliable reporting on the topics that matter most.

Keep Reading

Europe News

UK Police Disrupt Gang Allegedly Smuggling 40,000 Stolen Phones to China

6 Mins Read
Europe News

Global M&A Activity Surges Amid Megadeals and Rate-Cut Expectations

5 Mins Read
Europe News

Czech Elections: Babiš Expected to Forge Independent Path in EU

7 Mins Read
Europe News

Former Tesla Board Member Reveals Strategy for Capitalizing on the EV Boom

6 Mins Read
Europe News

Exploring Bull Markets, Economic Bubbles, and Swiftonomics

6 Mins Read
Europe News

Drone Sightings Disrupt Munich Migration Conference

6 Mins Read
Journalism Under Siege
Editors Picks

Trump Open to Releasing Reports on Assassination Attempts

March 6, 2025

Sanders Criticizes Trump and Wealthy Class at Coachella Event

April 13, 2025

Trump Praises US-born Pope Leo XIV in Politics Newsletter

May 8, 2025

Trump Delays 50% Tariff on European Union Until July

May 25, 2025

Trump and Paramount Settle “60 Minutes” Lawsuit for $16 Million

July 1, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest sports news from NewsSite about world, sports and politics.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Vimeo WhatsApp TikTok Instagram

News

  • World
  • U.S. News
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Europe News
  • Finance
  • Money Watch

Journos

  • Top Stories
  • Turkey Reports
  • Health
  • Tech
  • Sports
  • Entertainment

COMPANY

  • About Us
  • Get In Touch
  • Our Authors
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Accessibility

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

© 2025 The News Journos. Designed by The News Journos.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Ad Blocker Enabled!
Ad Blocker Enabled!
Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker.
Go to mobile version