Austria's young doctors face joblessness despite years of medical training
Medical students in Austria are facing growing uncertainty about their future careers. Despite years of training, many struggle to find jobs after graduation. The situation has left some, like Sibylle, considering alternative work or even moving abroad. Sibylle is in her final semester at Johannes Kepler University Linz. She is also completing her clinical-practical year (KPJ), a required step before graduation. Yet, securing a job as a doctor remains out of reach.
She has applied for foundation training programs in Linz, Wels, and Lower Austria but has not been accepted. Without completing the nine-month program, she cannot work as a doctor. While waiting, she is now exploring side jobs, such as driving a taxi, to make ends meet.
Her experience is not unique. The Austrian Medical Chamber (ÖAK) reports that more young doctors are failing to secure positions after graduation. Some, like Tobias Kälble, a medical student in Innsbruck, are considering moving to Germany for better opportunities. The ÖAK also estimates that, by 2025, about one-third of medical graduates will not be working in Austrian healthcare—either leaving the country or abandoning medicine entirely.
The chamber has proposed making the foundation training program voluntary, following Germany’s approach. Meanwhile, Austria faces a looming shortage of doctors. By 2030, the country is expected to lack around 1,000 general practitioners and 1,500 medical specialists due to retirements. The challenges for young doctors in Austria are clear. Without changes, many may continue to leave the profession or the country. The shortage of trained medical staff could further strain the healthcare system in the years ahead.
