Future research directions on physicians in Polish primary healthcare: workforce challenges and policy considerations

This commentary provides an overview of the health workforce situation in Polish primary healthcare (PHC) and attempts to characterize the challenges it currently confronts, framing the scope for further research. We analyse the status of PHC medical doctors, geographical accessibility to PHC, and family medicine training in Poland. Workforce characteristics and policy were assessed through descriptive analysis of official reports, including data from the Central Statistical Office of Poland and the Ministry of Health. Additionally, expert opinions and stakeholder commentary were incorporated to provide contextual insights. Although a notably higher expenditure on PHC, Poland, exhibits fewer physicians in the workforce than in comparative countries. Accessibility to PHC also remains an issue, especially in rural areas where the scarcity of physicians is more acute. It remains uncertain whether a significant increase in admissions to medical programs, coupled with financial incentives for trainees in family medicine, pediatrics, and internal medicine, will effectively persuade them to pursue careers in PHC. The subsidy program for priority specialty training has not been updated since July 2021, despite the growing number of deficit specialties. Moreover, despite record-high enrollments in medical programs, training positions for deficit residencies remain unfilled. Future research should not only evaluate the effectiveness of economic incentives but also explore non-economic factors influencing medical graduates’ specialty choices. Particularly those focused on work-life balance may prove more effective in promoting specialties facing the most severe workforce shortages.