Healthcare: National study: 70% of resident doctors consider leaving Romania

Some 70% of resident doctors are considering leaving the country in the absence of clear professional opportunities, according to the national study "Career paths of public health and management physicians in Romania from residency to employment," published on Monday.Although 97.6% of Romanian residents say they are satisfied with their professional training, the study highlights major structural problems, including a lack of jobs (43%), uncertainty over public health positions for specialists, bureaucracy and political influence in decision-making.The research also outlines the profile of a new generation of doctors who deliberately choose specialisation in public health and health management. Some 58.8% prefer a non-clinical environment, with interests focused on health promotion (53%), prevention (46%) and healthcare management (36%).Among residents, 16.5% intend to leave the country, 53.6% say they might leave depending on opportunities, while 31% plan to remain in Romania.According to data from the Romanian College of Physicians, in September 2025, when the study began, there were 199 specialists in Public Health and Management with a licence to practise. As of April 2026, there are 213 specialist and senior physicians in the field registered with a licence, as well as around 270 resident doctors in training.Rector of the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Viorel Jinga, highlighted the key role played by the university in postgraduate training, alongside other medical universities within the G6-UMF alliance, through updated curricula, investment in simulation centres and close integration of education with clinical practice."As a university, we are committed to training doctors by continuously developing and updating curricula in line with European standards, making substantial investments in medical simulation centres ? which allow the development of practical skills in a safe and controlled environment ? and engaging an outstanding academic staff in the direct coordination of each specialty. At the same time, through academic partnerships with healthcare institutions, we integrate continuing medical education with bedside practice, ensuring a coherent transition from graduate to resident doctor. This training model also applies to preclinical specialties, while Public Health and Management represents a key field for the organisation and functioning of the healthcare system, both at hospital level and beyond, particularly in the areas of prevention and health policy" he said.President of the Romanian College of Physicians, Catalina Poiana, said the findings highlight a reality that cannot be ignored: the development of the healthcare system depends directly on how human resources are trained and utilised."The Romanian healthcare system has a real need for specialists in public health and healthcare management, particularly in hospital settings and in prevention. We firmly support the debureaucratisation and depoliticisation of these fields and promoting access for these specialists to positions where their expertise can directly contribute to improving the system," Poiana said.She added that the national EXCELL-MED project is working to modernise medical curricula, aligning training with current needs such as data use, digital health, service management and evidence-based policymaking."This study provides valuable feedback from resident doctors and enables us to adapt professional training so that it responds to the real needs of both the healthcare system and society. Investment in the medical workforce is not just necessary ? it is fundamental to the future of healthcare in Romania," added Catalina Poiana.Co-author of the study and president of ARSPMS, Bogdan Pana, stressed that the issue is not a lack of specialists, but the absence of a proper framework to make use of their skills."We have trained doctors, clear data on system problems and the tools needed for change. What is missing is alignment of regulations and hiring mechanisms so that this human resource can be used efficiently. Without it, we risk losing a generation of professionals who could directly improve public health," he said.Florentina Furtunescu, vice-rector of the Carol Davila University and coordinator of Public Health and Management, said that updating the Public Health and Management curriculum was necessary to respond both to developments in the field and to the real challenges facing the healthcare system."Through this study, we have gained a clearer understanding of resident doctors' expectations, as well as the barriers they face at the start of their careers. We have incorporated into the new curriculum essential competencies such as digital health, the use of artificial intelligence, data analysis and evidence-based health policy. At the same time, much greater emphasis is placed on the practical component, including involvement in real projects and direct exposure to the institutions where these doctors will work. Our objective is for public health doctors to be not only well prepared theoretically, but also capable of making a tangible contribution to improving the functioning of the healthcare system," said Florentina Furtunescu.The study "Career paths of public health and management physicians in Romania from residency to employment" was conducted between September and December 2025 on a sample of 184 doctors (around 50% of active specialists) and analyses their career paths, motivations, barriers and prospects.The study was conducted by the Department of Public Health and Management at the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMFCD), in collaboration with the Romanian Association of Public Health and Health Management (ARSPMS) and academic staff from Public Health and Management departments within universities and medical faculties in Bucharest, Timisoara, Cluj, Iasi, Targu Mures, Constanta, Craiova, Sibiu, Brasov, Oradea and Galati, with the support of the Romanian College of Physicians.