Infection doctor

What does an infectious disease specialist do? – Duties and work environment

An infectious disease specialist is a medical doctor who diagnoses, treats, and prevents infectious diseases, often focusing on complex or rare infections. Responsibilities include patient consultations, investigations, prescribing treatments, and collaborating with other medical specialties. They usually work in hospitals, infectious disease clinics, or within infection control and handle both acute and chronic cases. The work environment is characterized by a fast pace, close teamwork in multidisciplinary groups, and a need for continuous updating of knowledge about emerging infectious diseases and resistance development.

Salary development over time

The profession of infectious disease specialists has shown a clear increase in salary over recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 86,400 SEK per month, which increased to 92 200 SEK in 2023. The latest recorded average salary for 2024 is 93 600 SEK, representing an approximate 8.3% increase over the three-year period. This positive trend can be linked to a rising demand for specialists, especially in infectious medicine, and a greater need for expertise in contagious diseases and antibiotic resistance. The salary increase also reflects a generally high competition for skilled doctors within Swedish healthcare.

Infectious disease specialist salary – comprehensive 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 vs 94 300 SEK/month)
• Regional differences: Salary levels may vary depending on region and employer, with the highest salaries often found in the public sector.

Education and qualifications

Becoming an infectious disease specialist requires extensive education with several stages of theoretical and practical training. First, a medical degree and license are needed, followed by general service (AT) and specialist training (ST) in infectious medicine. The profession also demands ongoing continuing education due to rapid advances in medical research and emerging health threats.

• Medical education: 6 years (medical program, master's degree)
• General service (AT): approximately 1.5–2 years
• Specialist training (ST) in infectious medicine: approximately 5 years
• Licensing: The National Board of Health and Welfare issues the license after AT
• Continuing education and courses: Ongoing throughout professional life
• Prerequisites: Scientific high school program with high grades

Common benefits and compensations

Infectious disease specialists are often covered by collective agreements that provide benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness allowances, and compensation for on-call and standby duties. Other common benefits include professional development grants, opportunities for research positions, and sometimes subsidized meals at the workplace.

Competition and challenges

Although the job market for infectious disease specialists is considered very good, competition exists for the most attractive positions, especially at university hospitals and in research. Recruitment is characterized by a paradox where it is difficult to find experienced specialists, yet there is some turnover due to demanding work environments and high skill requirements. The profession also involves challenges such as rapidly responding to new infectious threats, high workload during epidemics, and the need for ongoing training. The ability to work under pressure while maintaining high medical standards is crucial for success and job satisfaction.

Tips for aspiring infectious disease specialists

To succeed as an infectious disease specialist, it is helpful to have strong analytical skills and an interest in complex medical issues. Attention to detail is essential, as investigations often involve many details and laboratory tests. Good communication skills aid in collaboration with other specialists and patient interactions, where clear information can be decisive. Flexibility is important because the work sometimes requires quick adjustments, especially during outbreaks of contagious diseases. Engagement in lifelong learning facilitates the continuous education required in the profession. Enjoying a high-pressure environment and being able to make decisions under stress are also vital for success in infectious medicine.

Key facts about infectious disease specialists

• Education level: Medical license + specialist training (approximately 12–13 years total)
• Work environment: Hospitals, infectious disease clinics, and infection control departments
• Typical working hours: Full-time with on-call and standby duties
• Demand: Very high, especially during epidemics
• Special skills: Diagnosis of infectious diseases, antibiotic management, infection control

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as an infectious disease specialist, there are opportunities to develop in various areas, such as medical management, research, or leading an infectious disease clinic. Other pathways include work within infection control authorities, international health projects, or university teaching. The Employment Service’s forecast indicates strong job prospects nationally, with increasing demand over the next five years. The recruitment situation is characterized by difficulty in finding experienced specialists, offering good opportunities for rapid career development and skill enhancement. Currently, there are 371 available positions, highlighting the high demand for infectious disease specialists.

Frequently asked questions about infectious disease specialists

• What is the average salary of an infectious disease specialist?
  - The average salary is 93 600 SEK per month.
• How long is the training to become an infectious disease specialist?
  - It takes approximately 12–13 years from start of studies to certification.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 98% of what men do in the profession.
• What is the job market like for infectious disease specialists?
  - The demand is very high, with currently 371 job openings in the field.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for infectious disease specialists?
  - The highest salary is 110,600 SEK/month (men) and 101,500 SEK/month (women); the lowest salary is 84,600 SEK/month (men) and 91,200 SEK/month (women).
• What personal qualities are important for an infectious disease specialist?
  - Analytical ability, accuracy, communication skills, and flexibility are highly valued.
• Where do infectious disease specialists usually work?
  - Most work in hospital infectious disease clinics and infection control departments.