The working conditions for junior doctors in the Netherlands remain dire despite years of calls for improvement. Arecent survey conducted by De Jonge Specialist (DJS) reveals that issues such as burnout, excessive overtime, and workplace harassment persist, raising concerns about the future of the medical profession and the quality of healthcare.
According to NOS, the DJS survey, completed by approximately 2,000 doctors and doctors in specialist training,highlights that young doctors continue to work an average of six hours of unpaid overtime per week. Additionally, one in three respondents reported experiencing inappropriate behaviour from patients, visitors, colleagues or managers in the past year.
Alarmingly, one in four suffers from burnout symptoms
Despite these conditions, 96% of junior doctors remain proud of their profession. However, many expressed regret over their career choice due to the gruelling workload. DJS chairwoman Kirsten Dabekaussen noted that trainee doctors are particularly vulnerable. ‘We are in a dependent position. People are hesitant to speak out about, for example, the workload,’ she said. ‘They think: ‘I can complain, but I might lose my place. There are ten others who will take my place’.’
Impact on healthcare quality
The Federation of Medical Specialists also expressed concern about the findings. Board member Winnifred van Lankeren stressed the broader implications for the healthcare system, stating, ‘The challenges in healthcare are piling up: shortage of colleagues, cutbacks, issues about patient distribution and concentration, increasing waiting lists, and a high administrative burden.’ She stressed the importance of retaining young doctors, calling them ‘absolutely indispensable for the future of healthcare’.
A significant finding from the DJS survey is that more than 20% of young doctors would not choose the same profession again. The primary reasons cited include excessive overtime, high administrative workload and lack ofautonomy. Additionally, one in four doctors in specialist training has seriously considered quitting their program.
Deteriorating supervision and safety concerns
According to the doctors’ association VvAA, the situation is worsening in some respects. Hans van der Schoot, director of the VvAA, pointed out that supervision of junior doctors has deteriorated. ‘Although there have been significantimprovements in the working and training conditions for residents in many hospitals in recent years, I am still shocked by the results of the DJS survey, particularly the deterioration in the supervision of residents.’
A particularly alarming statistic from the survey showed that in 27% of cases, the lack of a physically present supervisor led to feeling that a situation was unsafe for young doctors or patients. This marks a significant increase from 2022, when the figure stood at 11%. The rising staff shortages and administrative burden on senior doctors further exacerbatethe issue, making it more challenging to provide adequate supervision and support to trainees.
Calls for structural change
To address these concerns, DJS and other healthcare organisations stress the need for systemic change. Dabekaussen emphasised the necessity of ‘compliance with the collective labour agreement and the Working Hours Act, correct registration and compensation of overtime, reduced administrative burdens, and a cultural shift in which working within the agreed hours becomes the norm’.
Similarly, Van Lankeren highlighted the importance of open dialogue on workplace behaviour and better supportsystems for struggling colleagues. ‘Talk to each other about undesirable behaviour and pay attention to colleagues who are having a hard time. Only then can everyone work safely and healthily.’
The VvAA also underscores the need for healthcare employers and professional groups to ensure supervisors arealways physically available when requested. Their latest campaign, #vaniknaarwij, encourages a shift towards a more collaborative and supportive healthcare work environment.
The future of healthcare
With a mounting workload, staff shortages and a culture that often discourages speaking out, junior doctors are at riskof burnout and premature departure from the field. Healthcare institutions, policymakers and employers must take immediate action to improve working conditions and support young professionals. Without meaningful changes, both the well-being of junior doctors and the quality of patient care remain under threat.
Written by Nicole Bea Kerr