European Medical Groups Call for Action on Workforce Crisis

The European Union of Medical Specialists and seven other European medical organizations have published a joint policy paper to address Europe’s ongoing health workforce crisis. 

The World Health Organization has estimated that Europe will have a shortage of 600,000 doctors, 2.3 million nurses, and 1.1 million social care staff and assistants by 2030. 

“Inadequate workforce planning over decades left systems vulnerable [and were] further exacerbated by austerity measures following the 2008 financial crisis,” Álvaro Cerame, president of European Junior Doctors told Medscape Medical News. “These budget cuts led to reduced training positions, limited recruitment, and worsened working conditions that increased attrition.” 

He added that Europe’s aging population has “significantly increased demand for healthcare services, straining an already overstretched system.” 

The European medical organizations called for a comprehensive approach to resolve the crisis, highlighting the following three main areas for improvement: Adequate management of staffing and workload, better working conditions to support well-being, and investment in education and training. 

Staffing and Workload

The policy paper recommended enforcing lawful working conditions and compliance with the European Working Time Directive, which seeks to limit working hours to improve work-life balance, reduce burnout risks, and safeguard patients. The directive sets an average maximum 48-hour working week and provisions for part-time work. According to a 2024 Federation of European Medical Salaried Doctors (FEMS) report, some countries such as Finland already enforce a the 48-hour cap, but others such as Germany mandate a maximum of 56 hours per week of total work. 

“Adequate staffing levels are also essential to alleviate excessive workloads, which often lead to burnout and compromise the quality of care, said Cerame. “Ensuring that healthcare professionals are not overstretched allows them to focus on their patients and maintain their own well-being,” 

Working Conditions

“Given that up to 43% of doctors develop symptoms of burnout, prioritizing interventions that enhance working conditions is essential to obtain a safe and secure environment in healthcare settings,” the policy paper stated.

Proposals include implementing comprehensive well-being programs with mindfulness and stress management, mental health services for physicians, and a zero-tolerance approach to violence against healthcare workers. 

“These changes require a collective commitment at local, national, and European levels. By listening to the voices of healthcare professionals and learning from research and practical examples, we can create systems that value and support those who care for us all,” said Cerame. 

Education and Training

“Education and training systems are also in need of reform,” Samuel Olagoke, vice-president of external affairs for the European Medical Students’ Association told Medscape Medical News. “These must adapt to meet modern healthcare demands, including integrating training on digital health tools, which are becoming indispensable in current and future practice. This requires updates to curricula, a stronger emphasis on lifelong professional development, and ensuring that such opportunities are well-funded and accessible,” he added.

The policy also recommended integrating well-being initiatives and mental health literacy into medical curricula, as well as creating interventions to enhance the attractiveness of medical careers at all levels.

Attractiveness

“The main challenge, and I can only speak from the general practitioner/family physician point of view, is the lack of attractiveness of the profession,” Tiago Villanueva, a family physician and president of the European Union of General Practitioners/Family Physicians, told Medscape Medical News. 

Villanueva identified the following two key deterrents to the profession’s appeal: limited career development opportunities and historical undervaluation of the field. He noted that recruitment levels will remain low if these factors remain unresolved, even if remuneration and working conditions are improved, as is the case in the Nordic countries. 

“Financial concerns also play a role, with many deterred by the high cost of medical education and concerns over future earnings,” said Olagoke. Financial support, including scholarships and loan forgiveness, and active promotion of the fulfilling and impactful nature of a medical career could help, he suggested.

FEMS President Alessandra Spedicato told Medscape Medical News that to enhance the profession’s attractiveness, the organization is currently working toward having the medical profession — especially in some working environments — recognized as “arduous work.” This recognition would bring benefits such as risk prevention measures and early retirement, serving as an incentive for younger generations to join the profession, she noted. 

Future

Cerame emphasized that the European organizations behind the policy paper have been cooperating for years and that the document should serve as a roadmap for coordinated action. “Meaningful changes in the health workforce typically require sustained efforts over several years,” he said. “However, some short-term progress, such as policy adjustments and increased awareness, may be evident sooner.” 

He concluded, “Long-term impacts, such as improved workforce sustainability and better working conditions, will depend on the commitment and cooperation of national governments and other stakeholders”.

Annie Lennon is a medical journalist. Her writing appears on Medscape Medical News, Medical News Today, and Psych Central, among other outlets.