The conference “Doctors Under Strain – A European Debate on the Recognition of Medical Work as an Arduous Occupation” brought together medical organisations, trade unions, patient‑safety experts and EU‑level occupational‑health bodies to examine the growing evidence that medical work should be formally recognised as an arduous profession. Across all presentations, a consistent picture emerged: doctors and other healthcare workers operate under sustained physical, psychological and organisational pressures that exceed those found in most other sectors, with direct consequences for workforce retention, patient safety and the resilience of European health systems.

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FEMS organises a new conference at the European Parliament on 27 January 2026, 10:30-12:00am on “Doctors under strain — A European debate on the recognition of medical work as an arduous occupation”. This topic is of strong concern within the medical community: recognising medical practice as an arduous occupation is crucial not only to protect physicians’ health throughout their careers, but also as a necessary measure to improve recruitment and retention in the medical workforce. More information on the conference programme here.
FEMS has recently produced a policy paper on the topic as well as a statement that was further endorsed by several medical organisations.

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The General Assembly of the European Federation of Salaried Doctors (FEMS), held in Brussels on 10 and 11 October 2025, addressed some of the most pressing issues affecting the medical profession in Europe.

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The European Federation of Salaried Doctors (FEMS) expresses deep concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, marked by extreme levels of malnutrition, the collapse of the healthcare system, and widespread suffering among the civilian population.

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Be a part of the FEMS Project “SHAPING THE FUTURE OF DOCTORS’ HEALTH - better working conditions for an healthier profession”, developed by the European Federation of Salaried Doctors – FEMS in collaboration with Italian University of Marche. Fill in the questionnaire at the following link: https://surveyfems.econ.univpm.it/

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Alessandra Spedicato, President of FEMS, and Alejandro Ramos, FEMS Second Vice President, took part in the Second International Conference organized by Círculo de la Sanidad on the topic “Innovación y desarrollo: el sistema de salud español en el mundo.” They contributed to the session “Situación laboral de los profesionales médicos en Europa,” where, together with other panelists and input from the audience, they discussed key issues such as the recognition of the medical profession as arduous, the impact of medical work on doctors’ health, and how changes in medical demographics should guide workforce planning and healthcare system organization. During the event, dr.Spedicato also presented the FEMS Whitebook on the European Doctors’ Working Conditions, a crucial document highlighting the current challenges faced by medical professionals across Europe. This paper aims to raise awareness and propose solutions to improve work organization , ensuring both their well-being and the sustainability of healthcare systems. Furthermore, the conference provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between trade union organizations and medical institutions. Notably, CESM and the General Council of Medical Colleges of Spain committed to drafting a Declaration of Fundamental Rights of Doctors, which could serve as a starting point for a broader European initiative promoted by FEMS. In addition, discussions emphasized the need to formally recognize the medical profession as arduous work. A dedicated proposal will be developed in collaboration with FEMS, laying the groundwork for a European-level initiative to secure appropriate recognition and protections for doctors facing increasingly demanding working conditions. Only through dialogue and continuous collaboration with other healthcare stakeholders can we ensure quality care and high levels of organization in a time of increasing constraints in the healthcare system.

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In the wake of its General Assembly taking place in Rome, on 4-5 October, FEMS issued the results of its study on the working conditions of European doctors - the White Book on European Doctors Working Conditions.

Download the document here