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Health care is a noble profession, demanding years of study and unwavering dedication. But despite the consistency of human anatomy, the quality of medical services can vary widely across the globe. So, which populations enjoy the highest standards of care? Click through this gallery as we explore the countries renowned for their exceptional healthcare providers, as per Insider Monkey.
To identify the countries with the best doctors, Insider Monkey analyzed the QS World University Rankings for 2023, focusing on the top 100 medical universities. They evaluated how many of these universities are located in each country and considered the highest-paying countries for doctors, as higher salaries tend to attract top talent. By averaging the rankings from both metrics, the following 15 countries represent the pinnacle of medical excellence.
Austria has a two-tier healthcare system in which virtually all individuals receive publicly funded care, while also having the option to purchase supplementary private health insurance. The Austrian health system has nearly universal coverage, and accessibility of services is generally very good, with comprehensive financial protection for vulnerable groups through numerous exemptions from cost-sharing requirements.
Austria allocates 11.5% of its GDP to health care, which is considerably higher than the OECD average of 9.2%. Moreover, there are 5.4 practicing doctors per 1,000 population (OECD average is 3.7). These numbers confirm the exceptional quality of health care prevalent in the country, which naturally helps attract the best doctors in the world.
The Italian healthcare system follows the Beveridge model, which treats health care as a fundamental human right available to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. In this system, the government funds health care for all citizens through income taxes.
Life expectancy in Italy is one of the highest in the world according to various databases, including the United Nations Population Division. Italy's high-quality healthcare system, with 4.1 doctors per 1,000 population, surpasses the OECD average of 3.7.
After six years of study at a Japanese university, covering general medicine and practical training, doctors obtain a medical degree in Japan. Then, they must pass a strict national exam and demonstrate strong language skills. This is followed by a competitive two-year residency in a chosen specialty, where academic excellence is crucial. Finally, passing the National Medical Practitioners Examination grants a medical license.
It’s a challenging yet rewarding journey that ensures doctors in Japan are well trained in both medicine and language. Japan’s healthcare system blends tradition and innovation, with doctors utilizing advanced technologies for high-quality care. A universal health insurance system provides equitable access, covering 70% of costs while patients pay 30%. All residents are required by law to have health insurance.
Belgium can boast outstanding medical research and highly-skilled physicians. The Belgian population enjoys good health and long life expectancy. This is partly due to the population’s access to many high-quality health services.
Belgium’s medical landscape is evolving, with a notable increase in foreign doctors, surpassing 10,000. Belgium is among the top 10 spenders on health across EU countries, reaching 10.7% of GDP in 2019.
Norway’s healthcare system has a strong emphasis on public health and well-being, prioritizing preventative care and patient support. Norwegians live longer and healthier lives than most other Europeans, with the gains over recent decades partly attributable to effective and high-quality prevention measures and treatment. Norway also has a well-developed system of long-term care, with long-term care receiving close to a third of the total public spending on health.
With modern hospital infrastructure and advanced IT solutions in Norway’s healthcare sector, chances of error are usually minimal. A flat hierarchy promotes a humane approach, reducing pressure and preventing burnout for doctors. Flexible working hours prioritize family needs, and limited overtime ensures a focus on patient care.
Ireland’s health system is characterized by a complex overlap between public and private providers and payers. The public health system is accessible to all residents; however, the two-tier system means private health insurance allows patients to gain preferential access to some services.
Ireland has a healthcare system supported by dedicated professionals, including doctors committed to maintaining high ethical standards. Nonetheless, many public services have substantial waiting lists.
With a ratio of 4.3 practicing doctors per 1,000 population, Sweden also exceeds the OECD average of 3.7, confirming a stable healthcare workforce. Reports from WHO and the OECD, among others, confirm that health system in Sweden provides good access to high-quality care.
Sweden allocates US$6.44 million per capita to health care, surpassing the OECD average of $4.99 million, and constituting 10.7% of its GDP, way higher than the OECD’s 9.2% average. The Swedish healthcare system is mainly government-funded, universal for all citizens, and decentralized, although private health care also exists.
With advanced medical technology and a focus on research, Singapore's healthcare system is among the best in Asia. Since Singapore became an independent nation in 1965, the development of its healthcare system has been underpinned by an emphasis on personal responsibility for health, and active government intervention to ensure access and affordability through targeted subsidies and to reduce unnecessary costs.
MediVR, a Singapore-based AI start-up, is revolutionizing medical training by utilizing generative AI virtual humans with advanced interaction capabilities. Through mixed reality (MR) technology, MediVR offers realistic training scenarios for healthcare professionals to improve their interpersonal communication skills.
Boasting a strong emphasis on medical education and patient care, Germany sets a high standard for healthcare excellence. Health insurance is compulsory and provided either under the statutory health insurance scheme or through substitute private health insurance.
Germany is known for having top-notch doctors because they receive excellent education and training. The country invests in advanced medical equipment, allowing for accurate diagnosis and cutting-edge treatments. German doctors also adopt the latest and most effective medical techniques, making it one of the countries that produces the best doctors in the world.
Known for its efficient healthcare system, the Netherlands prioritizes patient satisfaction and high-quality medical care.
The Netherlands has experienced a major increase in the number of doctors, from around 10,000 GPs in 2012 to approximately 15,000 in 2023. However, despite this growth, challenges persist, such as reductions in doctor-owned practices. Nevertheless, the Netherlands is also considered one of the best countries for medical studies.
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) is a magnet for international doctors due to a number of compelling factors. With over 1.8 million employees, it stands as the world’s eighth-largest employer. The NHS is renowned for cutting-edge healthcare technology and patient care.
The NHS emphasizes career progression, with appealing salary bands and pension schemes. An aging population and rising disease burden create strong demand for skilled healthcare workers, attracting talented international doctors.
Canada’s commitment to public health means that skilled physicians are available to all citizens, ensuring quality care without financial barriers. Canada’s stringent control over medical education and training, while ensuring its physicians’ quality, inadvertently results in a shortage of doctors. The rigorous selection process for medical schools and limited residency spots, coupled with provincial regulations, create barriers that reduce the quantity of graduating physicians.
This careful selection ensures that those who become doctors are highly qualified and dedicated. However, while commendable, the emphasis on quality contributes to the projected shortage of 44,000 physicians by 2028. Hence, striking a balance between maintaining high standards and addressing the growing demand for doctors is crucial for Canada’s healthcare system.
Australia combines a robust healthcare system with compassionate doctors dedicated to patient well-being. Australia's healthcare system is among the most extensive globally. It provides a variety of services, covering everything from general and preventive care to the management of more complex health issues. Health care in Australia operates under a shared public-private model underpinned by the Medicare system, the national single-payer funding model.
Australia attracts British doctors with a 42% preference rate, as revealed by a 2022 British Medical Association survey. Over the last 10 years, a growing number of UK doctors have migrated to Australia, seeking a better work-life balance and improved conditions. Additionally, Australia provides higher salaries, with GPs earning around US$166,000 per year and potentially more in rural areas.
Switzerland boasts world-class healthcare facilities and practitioners, making it a top choice for those seeking premium medical services. The country consistently ranks top in the European Healthcare Consumer Index, with its gold-medal-winning healthcare system.
Swiss hospitals offer top-notch medical expertise and doctors equipped with exceptional theoretical knowledge and practical experience through collaborations with universities and research institutes. Patients benefit from short waiting times, access to cutting-edge medical technology, and a long tradition of welcoming international visitors.
From cutting-edge research to specialized care, the US is home to some of the most renowned medical professionals and institutions. Its rigorous medical education and training system spans 11-16 years. This lengthy process ensures a highly committed and passionate healthcare workforce, with individuals motivated by a genuine desire to provide high-quality medical services.
With their extensive training, American doctors contribute to the global reputation of renowned institutions like Johns Hopkins Hospital and the Mayo Clinic. The competitive admissions process further selects the most qualified and dedicated candidates, emphasizing quality over quantity in medical education. Thus, the United States is the country with the best doctors in the world.
Sources: (Insider Monkey)
See also: The countries with the best healthcare in the world
Global health hotspots: The 15 countries with the best doctors in the world
A prescription for excellence
HEALTH Medicine
Health care is a noble profession, demanding years of study and unwavering dedication. But despite the consistency of human anatomy, the quality of medical services can vary widely across the globe. So, which populations enjoy the highest standards of care? Click through this gallery as we explore the countries renowned for their exceptional healthcare providers, as per Insider Monkey.