The Medical Demography in Brazil 2023 study, the result of a Technical Cooperation Agreement between the University of São Paulo (USP) and the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB), was launched today, February 8th.

The survey, which examines the characteristics and evolution of the population of physicians in the country, has been conducted for 12 years by Professor Mário Scheffer, who leads a research group on the subject at the Department of Preventive Medicine of the Faculdade de Medicina da USP (FMUSP).

According to the study's coordinator, "the objective of the publication is to record the significant recent changes and transformations in the supply, training, and work of physicians in Brazil."

The number of physicians in Brazil has more than doubled in just over 20 years, and in the last 13 years, more than 250,000 new professionals have graduated. According to the Medical Demography study's projection, even in the most conservative scenario, of a hypothetical suspension of the opening of new medical courses, the country should have more than one million physicians by 2035, a result of the massive expansion of undergraduate vacancies.

The 2023 edition also features the most comprehensive survey ever conducted on the number and profile of specialist physicians in the 55 recognized medical specialties.

An unprecedented survey reveals the volume and inequalities of access to medical consultations in Brazil, in the Unified Health System (SUS) and in health plans.

Data is also released on the declared income of physicians, by gender, age, and federal unit; on the expansion of medical schools and changes in the profile of medical students; as well as an "X-ray" of Medical Residency in the country.

According to Professor Eloisa Bonfá, Director of FMUSP, "with this publication, we reaffirm our institution's commitment to implementing research of academic excellence, drawn up by concrete social demands and capable of contributing to public health and education policies."

Access the complete study here.