Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 22, 2026
A Standardized Procedure for Monitoring Harmful Algal Blooms in Chile by Metabarcoding Analysis
Published on: August 26, 2021
Foreign Medical Specialists in Chile: Analysis of the 2024 Situation
María José Arancibia-Luna1, Juan Pablo Riedemann González2, Sayén Huaiquilaf-Jorquera1
1Departamento Ciencias de la Rehabilitación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile.
Abstract:
Immigration of foreign medical specialists may contribute to reducing gaps in coverage and access to specialized care. A regulatory framework establishes the certification and registration of specialties.
Aim:
To analyze the number and distribution of foreign medical specialists registered in Chile in 2024, characterize them by nationality, sex, age, specialty, and region, and estimate regional rates per 10,000 inhabitants.
Methods:
Descriptive, cross-sectional study using data from the Superintendence of Health: date of birth, sex, nationality, specialty/subspecialty, and reported region of practice. Regional rates were calculated using the 2023 INE population.
Results:
In 2023, there were 4,147 foreign medical specialists registered, and in 2024, there were 4,451 (+7.33%). The number of registered specialties increased by 11.65%. Globally, 51.29% are women, with a female predominance in specialties such as Pediatrics (77.24%) and Obstetrics/Gynecology (61.38%). In contrast, men predominate in General Surgery (26.96% women) and Traumatology/Orthopedics (13.91% women). By nationality, Venezuela leads (Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, General Surgery); Colombia and Ecuador also contribute significantly (Anesthesiology and Family Medicine, respectively). The 35-54 age group dominates with 73.29%; those under 35 account for 1.16%. Regionally, the Metropolitan Region has the highest number (2,334), and the highest rates per 10,000 inhabitants are observed in O'Higgins (4.00), Maule (3.64), and Ñuble (3.26). The national rate of foreign medical specialists is 2.44 per 10,000, equivalent to ~12.3% of the country's total specialists.
Conclusions:
Between 2023 and 2024, the number of foreign specialists in Chile increased, predominantly among individuals in productive age groups, with Pediatrics and Internal Medicine being the specialties with the highest number of registrations within the analyzed group. Their contribution could help address shortages in regions with an intermediate demographic profile. Further qualitative studies are recommended.