Medical Graduates Flock to Romania as Local Doctors Flee to the West

 

The influx of international students and the resultant financial benefits for Romanian medical schools have not alleviated the strain on the country’s healthcare system, which continues to suffer from a lack of medical professionals.

In recent years, Romania has emerged as a beacon for aspiring medical professionals worldwide, attracting thousands of international students to its medical schools. Yet, while Romania’s medical education system thrives on this influx, the country faces a paradoxical challenge: a significant portion of its own doctors are leaving for better opportunities abroad.

Romania's appeal to international medical students is undeniable. The University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca, for instance, has become a hub for foreign students like Daisy Waters (the name has been changed to retain anonymity), who initially balked at the idea of studying in Romania but found the university’s practical approach and vibrant international community compelling. Such stories are increasingly common as Romania produces a high number of medical graduates each year. In 2021, Romania boasted approximately 26 medical graduates per 100,000 inhabitants, a figure that surpasses most countries within the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development).

One of the driving factors behind this influx is the accessibility and affordability of Romanian medical schools. Unlike in many Western countries, where stringent entry requirements and high costs limit access to medical education, Romanian universities offer more lenient entry criteria, often requiring only a high-school diploma. Additionally, tuition fees in Romania range between €3,000 and €8,500 annually, significantly lower than the £9,250 (€11,000) yearly fee in the UK. This financial advantage, combined with the EU-wide recognition of Romanian medical diplomas, makes studying in Romania an attractive option for students from across Europe and beyond.

The growth in foreign-language medical programs underscores this trend. Between 2011 and 2019, the number of places in foreign-language medical courses in Romania surged by 75%, with nearly a third of all medical programs now taught in French or English. In 2020, around 12,000 foreign students were pursuing degrees in medicine, dentistry, or pharmacology in Romania. Universities like Cluj-Napoca and Targu Mures have tailored their programs to attract specific demographics, with Cluj-Napoca focusing on French-speaking students and Targu Mures even establishing a campus in Hamburg to cater to German students.

However, this influx of international students and the resultant financial benefits for Romanian medical schools have not translated into a retention of domestic medical professionals. A significant issue remains: the emigration of Romanian doctors. Approximately one-third of Romanian doctors leave for better-paying jobs and improved working conditions in countries like Germany and France. This exodus is driven by several factors, including low wages and under-resourced hospitals in Romania.

The impact of this emigration is profound. Romania's healthcare system struggles with a shortage of medical professionals, despite the high number of medical graduates. According to a 2020 report by the European Commission, Romania had one of the lowest densities of practicing doctors in the EU, with only 3.1 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants, compared to an EU average of 3.8. This shortage has led to longer waiting times and reduced access to medical care for Romanian citizens.

Efforts are being made to address these issues. Bogdan Popescu, a professor at the University of Carol Davila, notes that emigration rates have started to slow due to increased wages and investments in the Romanian healthcare sector. The Romanian government has also implemented measures to improve working conditions and salaries for medical professionals. In 2018, the government significantly raised the salaries of doctors and nurses, which has had a positive impact on retention rates.

Yet, the allure of better opportunities abroad remains strong. The European Federation of Salaried Doctors (FEMS) reported that Romanian doctors in countries like Germany can earn three to four times more than they would in Romania. This economic disparity continues to fuel the westward migration of Romanian medical professionals.

For international students, the situation presents both opportunities and challenges. While many, like Louise Louvet, plan to return to their home countries upon graduation, some are considering staying in Romania. The improving conditions and competitive salaries are making Romania a more attractive option for foreign graduates. However, the overall trend suggests that the majority will leave, drawn by the same factors that have led to the exodus of Romanian doctors.

Without putting it in so many words, Romania’s medical education sector is flourishing, attracting a diverse international student body and contributing to the country’s economy. However, this success is shadowed by the persistent challenge of retaining its own medical professionals. Addressing this issue requires continued investment in the healthcare sector, competitive salaries, and improved working conditions to ensure that Romania can benefit from the talents of both its domestic and international medical graduates. Until then, Romania will remain a magnet for the world’s medical students, while its own doctors seek greener pastures abroad.