The global number of physicians licensed to practice shows notable differences among countries. As of 2023, the United States leads significantly with over 1.24 million physicians, followed by Spain and the United Kingdom. The U.S. had a moderate increase of 1.69% YoY. European countries like Spain and the U.K. displayed growth rates of 2.8% and 2.03%, respectively, with Australia experiencing the highest increase of 2.88% YoY.
Emerging trends suggest a continued rise in physician numbers globally, driven by aging populations and healthcare demands. Countries may prioritize medical education and retention programs to overcome physician shortages amidst growing healthcare needs.
Top countries in Number of Physicians Licensed to Practice by Country
| # | 10 Countries | Units (Persons) | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 United States | 1,241,600 | 2023 | +1.45% | +1.69% | View data |
| 2 | 2 Spain | 299,220 | 2023 | +2.62% | +2.8% | View data |
| 3 | 3 United Kingdom | 276,690 | 2023 | +1.13% | +2.03% | View data |
| 4 | 4 South Korea | 165,290 | 2023 | +1.98% | +2.23% | View data |
| 5 | 5 Poland | 158,090 | 2023 | +1.22% | +1.17% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Australia | 131,600 | 2023 | +2.64% | +2.88% | View data |
| 7 | 7 Canada | 115,160 | 2023 | +1.22% | +1.2% | View data |
| 8 | 8 Sweden | 78,450 | 2023 | +2.33% | +2.56% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Netherlands | 74,890 | 2023 | +0.93% | +2.19% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Greece | 67,070 | 2023 | +0.41% | +0.47% | View data |
