[Are there too many doctors in Croatia?]

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health Policy
• Healthcare Workforce Planning

Context:

• Croatia faces a surplus of physicians due to limited employment opportunities.
• Current medical school enrollment exceeds realistic future needs.
• Economic factors and population demographics influence specialist demand.

Purpose:

• To analyze Croatia's physician education needs based on population health, economic capacity, and educational infrastructure.
• To recommend adjustments in medical school enrollment and financing to align with workforce demands.
• To ensure a competent and appropriately sized physician workforce for Croatia's future.

Summary:

• Analysis indicates no significant expansion in physician employment is feasible in Croatia over the next decade.
• Current physician unemployment rates suggest a surplus, meeting approximately two years of replacement needs.
• Recommends reducing annual medical student enrollment to around 400, aiming for 320 graduates, to match workforce requirements.

Impact:

• A reduced, carefully selected student intake will improve the quality of medical education.
• Shifting financing from student numbers to program costs will enhance educational quality and student competency.
• Aligning physician education with Croatia's healthcare needs will prevent future workforce imbalances and unemployment.