Reform brings junior doctors to underserved areas

A reform approved in 2022 will begin in November, placing 3,000 junior doctors in general medicine across France. These doctors are in their fourth year of a training program that now lasts a minimum of ten years and will be assigned to regions with significant challenges in accessing healthcare, with around 80 percent of them stationed in such areas.

Second wave of doctors planned

A second group of 500 junior doctors will be deployed in early May. These doctors will be placed in similar underserved areas, continuing the government's effort to improve healthcare access in difficult-to-reach regions.

Doctors work under supervision

The Ministry of Health stated that these junior doctors can practice independently but will remain under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. This arrangement allows them to gain experience while ensuring patient safety and quality of care.

Compensation for doctors and supervisors

Junior doctors will receive a monthly salary of just over 2,700 euros, with additional bonuses for supervised autonomy, working in specific areas, and participating in on-call duties. Supervising doctors may earn up to 3,200 euros per month for their involvement, reflecting the added responsibility of overseeing the junior doctors.

Health student numbers rise historically

The Ministry of Health noted a "historical" increase in the number of health students, with a 15 percent rise in first-year interns expected in 2026. This follows the removal of the numerus clausus, a policy that limited the number of students admitted to medical schools, in 2020.

Long-term growth in healthcare workforce

Since 2017, the number of first-year interns has increased by 24 percent, and since 2012, it has risen by 36 percent. The ministry also aims to double the number of advanced practice nurses in training by 2027, allowing nurses to pursue additional training immediately after completing nursing school without prior work experience.