Germany Faces Persistent Doctor Shortages in Underserved Regions

Despite a slight increase in medical practitioners, aging doctors, rising part-time work, and regional disparities challenge Germany's healthcare system.

Brandenburg has the lowest doctor density in Germany, with only 201.3 practitioners per 100,000 residents, while Hamburg leads with 310.3 practitioners.
The average age of doctors in Germany remains stable at 54.5 years, with Saxony having the youngest practitioners, averaging 52.5 years.
The proportion of part-time doctors increased from 35.8% to 37.9% in 2024, reflecting changing work patterns in the medical profession.
Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt rank among the lowest in doctor density, with 206 and 204 practitioners per 100,000 residents, respectively.
Efforts to address shortages, such as recruitment incentives and foundation practices, have had uneven success, particularly in rural and economically weaker regions.