In Brazil, newly graduated doctors like Ana Paula Hilgemberg are experiencing a harsh job market, contrary to their expectations of lucrative positions. Only three months after graduating from PUC-PR, Ana Paula has found it difficult to land shifts or full-time jobs in Curitiba, despite previously believing that the investment in her medical education would guarantee her substantial earnings. With hopes of earning R$30,000 to R$40,000 a month, she is now grappling with uncertainty, having only two shifts scheduled and no income to manage her student loan payments.

The influx of new medical professionals into the Brazilian workforce adds to the competition for limited positions. In 2025 alone, the number of newly graduated doctors in Brazil increased by 35,900, bringing the total to 635,700. This surge in graduates exacerbates the challenge for many young doctors, as they compete not only with each other but also with experienced professionals, making it increasingly difficult to secure employment in a saturated market.

As a stopgap measure, some graduates like Ana Paula are resorting to alternative occupations, such as marketing and content production, to meet their financial obligations. This trend raises concerns about the sustainability of the medical profession's future in Brazil and whether the current educational system effectively prepares graduates for the realities of the job market. Overall, this situation reflects broader economic challenges faced by many sectors in Brazil, highlighting the disconnect between educational expectations and employment opportunities during an economic downturn.