General practitioner

What does a Förtroendeläkare do? – Tasks and work environment

A Förtroendeläkare works on investigating, assessing, and providing medical opinions in cases where independent expertise is required. The role often involves acting as a link between authorities, employers, and individuals, for example in insurance cases, sick leave assessments, or legal proceedings. The work environment is characterized by high integrity and independence, as tasks often require objectively evaluating complex medical facts. The Förtroendeläkare usually has specialist competence and often works on assignment from the Social Insurance Agency, employers, courts, or other authorities. The work is often office-based or remote, but meetings and examinations may also occur.

Salary development over time

The salary for Förtroendeläkare has shown a clear upward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK, rising to 92 200 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has increased further to 93 600 SEK. This corresponds to a total increase of approximately 8.3% over the period, with the largest increase between 2022 and 2023. The salary development reflects a high demand for experienced specialist doctors with trust assignments, while competition for qualified candidates has increased. Factors such as increased workload, higher demands for medical expertise, and developments in the healthcare market contribute to the positive salary trend. The trend is expected to continue upward, especially as complex medical assessments become increasingly in demand in society.

Förtroendeläkare salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 93 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 84,600 SEK/month (male), 91,200 SEK/month (female)
• Highest salary: 110,600 SEK/month (male), 101,500 SEK/month (female)
• Hourly wage: 563 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (92 900 SEK vs. 94 300 SEK)
• Regional differences: Salaries may vary depending on employment form and region, but are mainly influenced by employer and specialist competence.

Education and qualifications

To work as a Förtroendeläkare, a solid educational background in medicine is required, followed by specialist training. In addition to formal degree and licensure, further education in forensic medicine, insurance medicine, or other areas where independent medical assessment is needed is common. Many employers value experience from clinical work and previous trust assignments.

• Medical degree: 5.5 years (basic medical education)
• Licensure: Required from the National Board of Health and Welfare
• Specialist training: Approximately 5 years in relevant medical fields
• Further training: Courses in insurance medicine or forensic medicine are recommended
• Experience: Several years of clinical experience are often required

Common benefits and compensations

Förtroendeläkare often enjoy benefits such as occupational pension, generous holiday policies, and opportunities for professional development. Other common compensations include wellness allowances, flexible working hours, and in some cases, remote work options. When working for government agencies, additional insurances and favorable conditions may also be offered.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Förtroendeläkare is generally moderate to high, as it requires both specialist competence and experience in qualified medical assessments. The role often involves complex tasks with high demands on integrity, objectivity, and precision. Challenges may also arise from difficult ethical considerations, high work pace, and tight deadlines. At the same time, there are good opportunities for those with the right background, as the need for independent medical experts is expected to grow. Continuous further education and the ability to navigate between different stakeholders are always present in the profession.

Tips for those who want to become a Förtroendeläkare

To succeed as a Förtroendeläkare, it is beneficial to combine strong analytical skills with high social competence and integrity. Building broad clinical experience and being meticulous with documentation is important, as the work often requires detailed and well-founded opinions. Good judgment and the ability to make independent decisions are crucial, as is clear communication with colleagues and external parties. Being solution-oriented and patient during investigation processes contributes to success in the role. It is also recommended to stay continuously updated on changes in medical and legal areas. Lastly, networking within healthcare and authorities can provide access to interesting assignments.

Key facts about Förtroendeläkare

• Educational level: Specialist doctor degree after at least 10.5 years of studies
• Work environment: Independent, often office-based or remote
• Demand: Very high and increasing according to the Employment Service
• Common work form: Assignments for authorities and insurance companies
• Number of vacancies: 375 in the profession of specialist doctors (2024)

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Förtroendeläkare, there are opportunities to take on more advanced and specialized assignments, such as medical advisor for insurance companies or investigator in forensic medicine. Some choose to further educate themselves in leadership or research to broaden their competence. According to the Employment Service's forecast, job opportunities are very good both short and long term, with an expected increase in demand over the next five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by difficulties in finding the right competence, which further strengthens career prospects in the profession. Specialist competence and experience in various medical fields provide excellent opportunities for advancement or change of focus.

Common questions about Förtroendeläkare

• What does a Förtroendeläkare earn?
  - The average salary is 93 600 SEK per month, with potential for higher earnings depending on experience and employer.
• How does one become a Förtroendeläkare?
  - The education requires a medical degree, licensure, and specialist competence, often supplemented with further training in insurance or forensic medicine.
• What are the duties of a Förtroendeläkare?
  - The work involves medical investigations, assessments, and issuing reports for authorities, insurance companies, and employers.
• Are there salary differences between women and men?
  - Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do in the profession.
• What is the job market like for Förtroendeläkare?
  - The demand is very high and expected to increase further in the coming years.
• What personal qualities are important?
  - Analytical ability, integrity, communication skills, and independence are important qualities.
• What career paths are available after a few years?
  - Opportunities include becoming a medical advisor, investigator, or taking leadership roles within authorities and insurance companies.