Italy faces surgical specialist shortage crisis

Italy is facing a growing shortage of medical specialists, particularly in surgical fields. The Italian Society of Surgery warns that within five years, the number of retiring doctors could surpass new specialists. This trend puts approximately one in ten general surgery procedures at risk, with the most severe impacts expected in southern and peripheral regions.

Several factors contribute to this crisis, including heavy workloads, low salaries, legal risks, and insufficient technological support. Consequently, many young professionals are choosing to work in the private sector or move abroad.

Data indicates a significant mismatch in medical training; approximately 17% of regional specialization contracts—2,569 out of 15,283—remain unfilled. Critical areas seeing the highest vacancy rates include emergency medicine, anesthesia and intensive care, and general surgery. In contrast, interest in general medicine training remains stable or is increasing in several regions, suggesting a shift in career preferences among young doctors.