Sofia, Bulgaria – For the third consecutive year, Bulgaria is witnessing an increasing number of young doctors opting to remain in the country after completing their medical education.
This month, more than 160 graduates from the Faculty of Medicine at the Medical University of Sofia are set to begin their professional journeys within Bulgaria’s healthcare system, a trend seen as a positive shift in the nation’s medical workforce.
Most of the graduates have expressed a strong preference for hospital-based careers, while approximately 8% plan to enter general practice.
This inclination highlights a growing commitment among newly trained doctors to strengthen the country’s healthcare sector amid ongoing concerns about medical staff shortages.
Pediatrics and Cardiology Among Top Choices
A recent survey conducted among 224 Bulgarian medical graduates has revealed that pediatrics is currently the most preferred specialty, attracting around 10% of respondents. Cardiology follows closely, with just over 9% of graduates expressing interest in the field.
Despite this promising engagement in critical areas of medicine, some specialties continue to face challenges in attracting young doctors.
Oncology and emergency medicine remain less favored, while anesthesiology and resuscitation have experienced the most significant decline in applicants.
This trend raises concerns about potential shortages in crucial emergency and intensive care services, sectors that require highly specialized training and experience.
Challenges and Aspirations of Young Doctors
While the growing number of graduates choosing to stay in Bulgaria marks a positive development, many young doctors emphasize the need for significant improvements in working conditions. Key concerns include salary levels, hospital management efficiency, and access to modern medical equipment.
“Better pay and career growth opportunities are crucial for young doctors like us to remain in Bulgaria and contribute to the healthcare system,” said one of the new graduates, who plans to specialize in cardiology.
“Many of us are optimistic, but we also hope for reforms that will allow us to provide quality care with the necessary resources.”
Bulgaria has long faced the challenge of medical professionals seeking employment abroad due to higher salaries and better working conditions in Western European countries.
However, recent improvements in medical education, government initiatives, and increasing opportunities for specialization within Bulgaria appear to be reversing this trend.
International Graduates Also Completing Studies
In addition to Bulgarian graduates, 353 international students are also completing their studies at the Faculty of Medicine this year. Many of them hail from various European and non-European countries, drawn to Bulgaria’s reputable medical education programs.
While some international graduates plan to stay and practice in Bulgaria, others will return to their home countries to pursue medical careers.
The official graduation ceremony for both Bulgarian and international students is set to take place on February 26, marking a significant milestone for the young doctors as they embark on their medical careers.
As Bulgaria continues its efforts to strengthen its healthcare workforce, the growing number of young doctors choosing to stay and practice at home signals a positive step toward addressing the country’s medical staffing challenges.
The long-term impact of this shift, however, will depend on continued investments in healthcare infrastructure, fair compensation, and strategic workforce planning.