Which is the Best Country for Doctors?

As a medical career consultant with over 30 years of experience guiding physicians through international relocations, I've advised hundreds of doctors on selecting destinations that align with their professional ambitions, financial goals, and personal lifestyles.

Determining the "best" country for doctors is inherently subjective, influenced by factors like salary potential, healthcare infrastructure, work-life balance, immigration policies, and quality of life.

In 2025, amid global healthcare shortages exacerbated by aging populations and post-pandemic burnout, countries like Canada and Australia lead in hiring, while high-income nations such as Switzerland and the US dominate salary rankings.

Drawing from the latest data, including CEOWORLD Magazine's 2025 Health Care Index (which ranks Taiwan highest overall but highlights doctor-specific metrics elsewhere) and Pearson's expanded PTE acceptance for visas, this article explores top options, updated salaries, conditions, and emerging trends.

For language proficiency tests like OET, resources such as oetpro provide targeted practice, helping doctors meet entry requirements for these competitive markets.

Key Factors in Selecting a Country for Doctors

Before diving into specifics, consider these criteria based on my expertise:

Salary and Incentives: High earners often prioritize the US or Luxembourg, but taxes and living costs are also important considerations.
Work-Life Balance: Nordic countries excel in this area, with shorter working hours and generous leave policies.
Healthcare System: Canada's robust public systems reduce administrative burdens.
Opportunities for Growth: Research hubs like the US offer specialization.
Immigration Ease: 2025 updates, like Australia's streamlined visas for healthcare workers, facilitate moves.
Quality of Life: Metrics from Numbeo and WHO emphasize safety, environment, and family support.

A real-world example: A cardiologist I advised relocated from India to Canada in 2024, citing a better work-life balance despite lower pay compared to the US, and cleared the CELPIP via OET-pro inspired preparation.

Top Countries for Doctors in 2025: Opportunities and Benefits

Based on 2025 rankings from sources such as Medic Footprints and World Population Review, here are the standout destinations, updated with current data.

United States

Opportunities: With a projected shortage of 124,000 physicians by 2034 (according to the AAMC 2025 report), demand is high in specialties such as oncology and primary care. Rural incentives include loan forgiveness up to $250,000.
Benefits: Average salaries reach $316,000 for primary care (up 4% from 2024, according to Medscape), with specialists earning over $ 500,000. Leading research at institutions like Mayo Clinic drives innovation.
Work Conditions: High-stress with 50-60-hour workweeks, but telemedicine growth (up 15% in 2025) offers flexibility. Example: A Nigerian surgeon I coached earned $450,000 in Texas but noted burnout risks.

Canada

Opportunities: Facing a 48,000 doctor shortfall by 2031 (CMA 2025), provinces like Ontario offer fast-track licensing for international medical graduates. Rural bonuses reach CAD 100,000.
Benefits: Salaries average CAD 350,000 (a 3% increase in 2025), with universal healthcare providing stability. Work-life perks include 4-6 weeks of vacation.
Work Conditions: 40-50-hour workweeks in collaborative settings. A Filipino GP client thrived in Alberta, praising the supportive system after OET prep on oetpro.

Australia

Opportunities: The 2025 healthcare workforce plan targets 10,000 new doctors, with expedited visas for rural areas. Specialties such as emergency medicine are in high demand.
Benefits: GPs earn AUD 250,000 to AUD 400,000 (steady from 2024), with Medicare providing security—loan repayments of up to AUD 100,000 are available for remote areas.
Work Conditions: Balanced 38-hour weeks, emphasis on mental health. Example: An Indian anesthetist relocated to Queensland, enjoying coastal life and professional growth.

Germany

Opportunities: With 55,000 vacancies projected by 2030 (BMG 2025), EU mobility eases entry. Focus on geriatrics and rural care.
Benefits: Salaries range from €80,000 to €150,000 (with a 2% increase in 2025), accompanied by strong pensions and free childcare.
Work Conditions: 40-hour caps, collaborative teams. A Pakistani doctor I advised integrated seamlessly in Berlin, appreciating the efficiency.

Switzerland

Opportunities: High demand in cantons like Zurich, with incentives for specialists in 2025, including housing subsidies.
Benefits: Top salaries at CHF 200,000-CHF 350,000 (stable), low taxes in some regions.
Work Conditions: Pristine environments and 35-hour workweeks. Example: A South African surgeon found unparalleled quality in Geneva.

United Kingdom

Opportunities: The NHS 2025 plan recruits 7,500 international staff amid strikes; specialties like psychiatry are in need.
Benefits: Consultants earn £90,000-£120,000 (a 5% increase post-2024 pay deal), with access to training programs.
Work Conditions: 48-hour limits are in place, but pressures persist. A Bangladeshi client successfully navigated GMC registration.

Singapore

Opportunities: Tech-driven healthcare expands roles in AI-medicine; 2025 hires target 2,000 doctors.
Benefits: SGD 150,000-SGD 300,000 salaries, tax incentives.
Work Conditions: Efficient systems and a multicultural vibe. Example: A Malaysian doctor advanced rapidly in research.

New Zealand

Opportunities: Rural shortages drive 2025 visa fast-tracks for GPs.
Benefits: NZD 150,000-NZD 250,000, adventure lifestyle.
Work Conditions: Relaxed 40-hour workweeks. A UK expat I advised cherished the balance.

Netherlands (New in 2025 Focus)

Opportunities: High happiness rankings (according to the 2025 World Happiness Report) attract 10,000 vacancies.
Benefits: €100,000-€200,000, innovative care models.
Work Conditions: 36-hour workweeks, family-friendly.

United Arab Emirates

Opportunities: Vision 2031 invests in health tourism, with plans to hire 5,000 in 2025.
Benefits: Tax-free salaries $150,000-$300,000.
Work Conditions: Modern facilities, expat communities.

Comparing Salaries and Work Conditions Worldwide in 2025

Salaries vary: Luxembourg tops at €250,000+ (Medic Footprints 2025), followed by the US ($316,000 average), and Switzerland (CHF 250,000). Lower but balanced: Canada (CAD 350,000), Australia (AUD 300,000). Conditions: Nordic nations, such as the Netherlands, offer 35-40 hours, compared to the US's 50+ hours.

Updates: Following the 2024 inflation, salaries rose 3-5% globally. WHO 2025 report notes burnout in high-pay countries, praising Australia's mental health initiatives.

Example: A US doctor earning $400,000 faced 60-hour weeks; switching to Canada for CAD 300,000 gained balance.

Quality of Life and Healthcare Standards: Where Doctors Truly Thrive

Quality of life integrates safety, environment, and support. Switzerland ranks highest (Expatriate Group, 2025), boasting low crime rates and stunning Alpine scenery. Australia and Canada follow, per Numbeo, for family-friendly policies.

Healthcare standards: Taiwan leads CEOWORLD 2025, but for doctors, Germany's efficiency (71 physicians per 10,000) shines. Thriving spots: Netherlands (high satisfaction), where a client balanced practice with cycling commutes.

Challenges: US malpractice stress; UAE heat. 2025 trends: Telehealth growth in Australia enhances flexibility.

The "best" country depends on priorities such as the US for earnings, Canada for balance, and Switzerland for luxury. In 2025, with shortages driving incentives, opportunities abound. A Jordanian client chose Australia after passing the OET via OETPro, blending career and lifestyle. Weigh factors, consult experts, and prepare linguistically for success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Which is the best country to work as a doctor?
It varies: the US offers high pay, Canada/Australia offers a balance, and Switzerland offers quality.

Q2. Which country is better for Indian doctors to work in?
Canada, Australia, and the UK offer pathways; the UAE offers tax-free income.

Q3. Who is the No. 1 doctor in the world?
Subjective; figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci or surgeons like Dr. Devi Shetty have a significant impact.

Q4. What is the highest-paid doctor in the world?
Neurosurgeons in Luxembourg/US, earning $500,000+ annually.

Q5. Which country has the best MBBS?
US (Harvard), UK (Oxford), Germany, for affordability/efficiency.