Despite ongoing reports of a physician shortage, the number of unemployed doctors in Germany is rising. The Bavarian State Medical Chamber’s annual statistics show a more than 10 percent increase in unemployed physicians last year, reaching 2,960 – a rise of over 70 percent in the last decade.
Rising Unemployment Disproportionate to Growth
The number of practicing doctors in Bavaria has also increased, growing by nearly 23 percent between 2015 and 2025, reaching 74,926. This growth is driven by more young doctors entering the profession each year than retiring. However, the increase in unemployment among doctors is more than three times faster than the overall growth in the number of practicing physicians.
Possible Explanations for the Trend
Gerald Quitterer, President of the Bavarian Medical Association, points to two key developments as potential explanations for the rising unemployment figures. Increasingly, doctors are employed in practices rather than operating as independent practitioners. In Bavaria, nearly 40 percent of doctors are now employees, compared to just over half that percentage ten years ago. Quitterer explains that doctors transitioning between positions often experience periods of unemployment that are reflected in the statistics.
Another factor is the growing number of doctors with foreign qualifications. The number of foreign-trained doctors in Germany has doubled in the last decade, reaching approximately 68,000 nationwide. However, Quitterer notes that the process of obtaining full recognition of foreign medical qualifications can be lengthy, potentially contributing to unemployment figures.
Job Market Discrepancies
The Federal Employment Agency suggests a “growing discrepancy between the wishes of job-seeking physicians and the available positions” may also be at play. This is supported by the observation that a comparatively large number of unemployed doctors are located in major cities, while unemployment rates are particularly low in rural areas.
No Immediate Cause for Alarm
Despite the increase, experts are not yet expressing significant concern. The Marburger Bund, a German physicians’ association, stated that it does not see a major problem with unemployment among doctors nationwide. Similarly, Quitterer stated he is “not worried,” though he acknowledges the trend is noticeable. He added that further increases would warrant closer examination.
The Federal Employment Agency maintains that a shortage of medical professionals persists, noting that the unemployment rate in the medical profession remains within the realm of full employment, currently at 2.5 percent nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current unemployment rate for doctors in Germany?
The current unemployment rate for doctors in Germany is 2.5 percent, which the Federal Employment Agency considers to be within the range of full employment.
What factors are contributing to the rise in unemployment among doctors?
Factors include an increasing number of doctors employed in practices (leading to unemployment during transitions), the time it takes for doctors with foreign qualifications to gain full recognition, and a discrepancy between the locations where doctors are seeking work and where positions are available.
Is the physician shortage still a concern?
Yes, the Federal Employment Agency continues to identify a “shortage of skilled workers in human medicine” despite the recent increase in unemployment among doctors.
As the number of unemployed doctors rises, how might the medical landscape in Germany adapt to better align physician availability with regional needs and preferences?
