Geriatrician

What does a Geriatrician do? – Tasks and Work Environment

Geriatricians are specialist doctors focusing on the care of elderly patients. The work includes diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of diseases and conditions common among the elderly, such as dementia, cardiovascular diseases, and multimorbidity. Great emphasis is placed on viewing the patient holistically, considering medical, social, and psychological factors to create the best possible quality of life. The work environment is often interdisciplinary, involving close collaboration with nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and relatives, both in inpatient and outpatient settings, as well as in special housing.

Salary Development Over Time

Over the past three years, Geriatricians have experienced steady salary growth. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, followed by an increase to 92 200 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary amounts to 93 600 SEK. The total salary increase over this period is approximately 8.3%, indicating continued high demand for specialist doctors in geriatrics. Salary development is driven partly by the increasing need for specialist competence due to an aging population, and partly by recruitment difficulties within the profession. The trend shows that Geriatricians are among the professions with faster-than-average salary increases in healthcare, which is also reflected in the national shortage of specialists in the field.

Geriatrician Salary – Complete Overview

• Average salary: 93 600 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 84,600 SEK/month (men), 91,200 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 110,600 SEK/month (men), 101,500 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 563 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 98% of what men do (92 900 SEK/month compared to 94 300 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary between regions, but demand is generally high across the country

Education and Qualifications

To work as a Geriatrician, a long and specialized educational path is required. After obtaining medical licensure, several years of specialist training in geriatrics are necessary, during which advanced knowledge of elderly diseases and needs is developed. The training combines theory, clinical practice, and ongoing professional development to ensure high-quality patient care.

• Medical education: 5.5 years (basic education to become a doctor)
• Internship (AT): approximately 1.5 years
• Specialist training (ST) in geriatrics: approximately 5 years
• Licensure: required after AT to start ST
• Continuing education: ongoing, via courses and seminars

Common Benefits and Compensation

Geriatricians are often offered benefits such as extra vacation days, pension contributions, wellness allowances, and opportunities for professional development. Compensation for unsocial hours and on-call duties is common, especially in hospital settings. Some employers also offer subsidized lunches, staff health services, and flexible working hours.

Competition and Challenges

The competition for positions as a Geriatrician is currently low due to high demand across the country. The Employment Service's forecasts show excellent job prospects, with demand expected to increase further over the next five years. Challenges in the profession include a high pace of work, complex patient cases, and a continuous need for further training. Recruitment difficulties are partly due to many doctors choosing other specialties, which increases the need for new recruits in geriatrics.

Tips for Aspiring Geriatricians

To succeed as a Geriatrician, it is beneficial to have a genuine interest in elderly health and living conditions. Empathy and patience are crucial, as the work often involves long care processes and contact with patients in vulnerable situations. Good communication skills facilitate collaboration with colleagues and relatives, while analytical ability is necessary to handle complex medical conditions. It is wise to seek experience in geriatric care early, such as through summer jobs or internships, and to actively participate in further education and networks in the field. Flexibility and stress resilience are also valuable qualities, as the workday can be unpredictable and demanding.

Key Facts about Geriatricians

• Education level: Specialist doctor degree (at least 12 years)
• Work environment: Hospitals, health centers, nursing homes
• Demand: Very high, a national shortage profession
• Hourly wage: 563 SEK
• Job vacancies: 375 (May 2024)

Career Paths and Future Outlook

After three to five years as a licensed Geriatrician, opportunities include advancing to medical responsible doctor, operations manager, or working with research and teaching in geriatrics. Many also choose to further specialize in related fields, such as palliative care or internal medicine. The latest forecast from the Employment Service indicates very good job prospects and an increasing need for Geriatricians over the next five years. This is mainly due to a growing elderly population and increased demands for specialized care. However, the industry is characterized by recruitment difficulties, which means new graduates have excellent opportunities for permanent positions and career development.

Frequently Asked Questions about Geriatricians

• What is the average salary of a Geriatrician?
  - A Geriatrician has an average salary of 93 600 SEK per month.
• How long is the training to become a Geriatrician?
  - The training takes approximately 12 years from basic education to fully qualified specialist.
• Are there regional differences in salary?
  - Yes, salary levels can vary depending on the region, but demand is high across the country.
• What qualities are important for a Geriatrician?
  - Empathy, patience, good communication skills, and analytical ability are especially important.
• What is the job market like for Geriatricians?
  - The job market is very favorable with 375 vacancies in May 2024 and increasing demand according to the Employment Service.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a Geriatrician?
  - The highest salary is 110,600 SEK per month, and the lowest is 84,600 SEK per month.
• How do gender differences in salaries look?
  - Women earn 98% of what men do in the profession.