The military health service in Poland may soon face a serious staffing crisis, which could influence the safety and defensive capabilities of the country. The problem of staff shortages is deepening due to factors such as the education system, working conditions, and financial aspects–military doctors’ salaries are much less attractive than those offered in the civilian sector. Hence, in the context of increasing international threats and the war in Ukraine, reforms of the education system, close cooperation between military and civilian establishments, and increasing the attractiveness of the medical service in the army are deemed necessary.
Lieutenant General Grzegorz Gielerak, the director of the Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw, notes that the war in Ukraine highlighted that the healthcare system is essential to the safety of a country and society during a crisis.
Military doctors’ education is a key aspect of a state’s medical security. Yet in Poland, this system faces significant challenges. Currently, military doctors are educated at the Military Medical Faculty of the Medical University in Lodz, in cooperation with the Land Forces Academy in Wroclaw.
According to Lt. Gen. Gielerak, the principal problem is that this training takes place somewhat detached from the military structures, and specifically from military hospitals. The result can be painful collisions with reality when students begin their service. Many leave either directly after their studies or shortly after obtaining their specialization.
Lt. Gen. Gielerak emphasizes that military medicine training should prominently feature aspects related to responding to crisis situations, such as warfare and natural disasters. Currently, the lack of practical experience in conditions similar to military service means that many graduates aren’t prepared for the specific challenges of working in the army.
At a conference in Warsaw in late January, representatives of medical institutions presented a model for integrated civilian and military medical education. The new model aims to tighten cooperation between the military and civil sectors in medicine.
Staff shortages are becoming increasingly pronounced, constituting a growing threat to the military healthcare system and medical safety. Experts estimate that staffing shortages have already reached 40–60% depending on specialization, thus the Polish system of educating military doctors urgently needs reform. Lt. Gen. Gielerak suggests that through close cooperation between the military and civilian sectors, within five to seven years, the system can be significantly improved.
However, education alone isn’t sufficient to build up military medical personnel. Other contributing factors to staff attrition include challenging working conditions, a lack of steady career paths, and financial aspects–military doctors’ salaries are significantly less attractive than those offered in the civilian sector.
