AT doctor

What does an AT doctor do? – Tasks and work environment

An AT doctor, or general service doctor, works during their first period as a licensed doctor after completing medical school. The tasks include working under supervision in various departments such as internal medicine, surgery, psychiatry, and primary care. The AT doctor participates in patient meetings, ward rounds, emergency interventions, and administrative work like record-keeping and documentation. The work environment is often characterized by a fast pace, variable working hours, and close collaboration with colleagues from different professions. The role also involves gradually taking more responsibility for patient care, while ongoing supervision and feedback are provided to develop clinical skills.

Salary development over time

The salary for AT doctors has steadily increased over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 37,300 SEK per month, rising to 39 100 SEK in 2023 and reaching 40 300 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 8% over the period. This positive trend is linked to increased demand for doctors within Swedish healthcare, competition for workforce, and adjustments to meet inflation and cost developments. Salary levels are also influenced by regional factors and employer size, but overall, the trend reflects that AT doctors are a sought-after profession with secure salary progression.

AT doctor salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 40 300 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 37,200 SEK/month (male, public sector)
• Highest salary: 45,100 SEK/month (male, municipal sector, pre-university education, 9 years)
• Highest salary for women: 41,200 SEK/month
• Lowest salary for women: 38,800 SEK/month
• Hourly wage (average): 242 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 99% of what men do (40 100 SEK vs 40 600 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on county councils and regions, but clear differences are rarely officially reported

Education and qualifications

To become an AT doctor, a completed medical degree and Swedish medical license are required. After graduation, an application is made for an AT position, which constitutes a mandatory and structured introduction to the profession. During the AT period, the doctor works clinically under supervision, while completing various modules and theoretical exams to obtain licensure.

• Medical education: 6 years at university (medical program)
• Swedish medical license: Required to start AT employment
• AT service: 18–24 months paid internship at hospitals and health centers
• Supervised placements: Mandatory in internal medicine, surgery, psychiatry, and primary care
• Knowledge exam: Passing result required for licensure

Common benefits and compensations

AT doctors are often covered by collective agreements that include benefits such as occupational pension, insurances, paid vacation, and sick leave. Many regions also offer subsidized wellness programs, professional development, and flexible working hours. Compensation for unsociable hours and on-call shifts is common and can constitute a significant part of the total income.

Competition and challenges

The competition for AT placements is high, especially in large cities and popular regions, which means many recent graduates need to seek positions in smaller towns to gain employment quickly. Challenges in the role include a high work pace, responsibility for patients, and initial uncertainty in practical work. AT doctors must quickly learn to handle stressful situations and make decisions under supervision, while meeting high demands for documentation and teamwork. The broad variety of tasks and workplaces requires flexibility and adaptability. Despite these challenges, many report high job satisfaction and good opportunities for development.

Tips for aspiring AT doctors

To succeed as an AT doctor, it is helpful to be thorough and organized, as the work involves responsibility for both patient records and medical decisions. Good communication and listening skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and patients, especially in stressful situations where clear dialogue is essential. Flexibility is a valuable trait, as tasks vary between departments and specialties. Engagement and a desire to continuously learn help to rapidly develop the necessary clinical skills. Showing empathy and patience is also important, both in patient encounters and supervision. Finally, having good problem-solving abilities is advantageous, as unexpected situations often arise in daily work.

Key facts about AT doctors

• Education level: Medical degree (6 years) + AT service (18–24 months)
• Work environment: Hospitals, health centers, and psychiatric care
• Employment type: Permanent or fixed-term employment with supervision
• Demand: 371 available jobs within the profession
• Gender distribution: Small salary differences between women and men

Career paths and future prospects

After completing the AT service, the opportunity arises to apply for medical licensure, which is a prerequisite for starting specialist training (ST). Most AT doctors choose to continue within a specific medical specialty, such as general medicine, internal medicine, or surgery. After 3–5 years, many establish themselves as ST doctors and begin their specialization. The Swedish Public Employment Service’s outlook on future prospects for doctors is generally positive, although no specific forecast exists for AT doctors due to limited data. The high demand for doctors in Sweden, combined with retirements and increased healthcare needs, suggests that career opportunities remain strong.

Frequently asked questions about AT doctors

• What does an AT doctor earn?
  - The average salary for an AT doctor is 40 300 SEK per month.
• How long is the AT service?
  - The AT service typically lasts 18–24 months and includes placements in multiple departments.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, men earn on average 40 600 SEK and women 40 100 SEK, which means women earn 99% of men's salary.
• What is required to get an AT position?
  - Completed medical education and Swedish medical license are required to apply for AT.
• What are the future prospects for AT doctors?
  - There are 371 available jobs in the profession, but no specific labor market forecast is available.
• What tasks does an AT doctor perform?
  - AT doctors work under supervision in various departments with patient contact, ward rounds, and documentation.
• Can AT doctors work throughout Sweden?
  - Yes, AT placements are available across the country but may be harder to obtain in metropolitan regions.