Doctors and medical practitioners in Europe - Statistics & Facts
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A healthcare system cannot exist without the health professionals and care staff who work to ensure individuals receive the necessary medical treatment. The healthcare systems in place in the countries of the European Union can vary substantially as a reflection of the skilled workforce, the government expenditure on healthcare and the health insurance contributions in place in different countries.
The number of physicians practicing in each country in Europe varies based on the population density, the size of the country and the need for that skilled workforce. Russia employs the largest number of practicing physicians in Europe, which is a reflection of having the largest population in Europe. While Georgia and Lithuania have the highest density of physicians relative to their populations. A physician is defined as a doctor who is qualified and registered to practice human medicine. In Europe, a physician must have a university qualification allowing them to practice medicine and must have completed the required period of training. Once an individual is qualified to practice they may choose a specific field of medicine to work in. An example specialty is a general practitioner (GP) who is involved in both acute and chronic care. They are normally the first point of contact before hospital care, if required. Other fields of medicine open to physicians include psychiatry, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics and dentistry, which may involve another route of entry.
Of course, it is not only practitioners that make up the health service, there are many other medical professionals involved in the care and rehabilitation of patients. The UK had the highest number of practicing care personnel, with over one million employed in 2018. Care personnel may include social workers, physiotherapists, pharmacists and nurses.
The number of physicians practicing in each country in Europe varies based on the population density, the size of the country and the need for that skilled workforce. Russia employs the largest number of practicing physicians in Europe, which is a reflection of having the largest population in Europe. While Georgia and Lithuania have the highest density of physicians relative to their populations. A physician is defined as a doctor who is qualified and registered to practice human medicine. In Europe, a physician must have a university qualification allowing them to practice medicine and must have completed the required period of training. Once an individual is qualified to practice they may choose a specific field of medicine to work in. An example specialty is a general practitioner (GP) who is involved in both acute and chronic care. They are normally the first point of contact before hospital care, if required. Other fields of medicine open to physicians include psychiatry, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics and dentistry, which may involve another route of entry.
Of course, it is not only practitioners that make up the health service, there are many other medical professionals involved in the care and rehabilitation of patients. The UK had the highest number of practicing care personnel, with over one million employed in 2018. Care personnel may include social workers, physiotherapists, pharmacists and nurses.
