How Many Doctors Are There in the World?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 06, 2023

There are 10 to 15 million doctors in the world. The World Health Organizations estimates there is a shortage of 4.3 million physicians, nurses and other health workers in the world.

This shortage can be attributed to the fact that there are limited medical schools in the developing world. In addition, these few medical schools have a small capacity for admission of students, and upon graduation, qualified medical personnel in developing countries often migrate abroad in search of better remuneration and improved working conditions. However, developed countries, such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Germany, are also facing a shortage of doctors.