Medicinal advice

What does a medicinal advisor do? – Tasks and work environment

A medicinal advisor primarily works with providing medical advice and guidance within government agencies, authorities, or larger organizations. The tasks often include analyzing medical issues, developing guidelines and policies, and participating in decision-making processes regarding medicines, public health, and healthcare matters. The role requires close collaboration with other experts such as lawyers, urban planners, and researchers. The work environment is generally office-based with meetings, report writing, and presentations. Medicinal advisors often work in environments where high demands are placed on integrity, accuracy, and the ability to make well-founded decisions under time pressure.

Salary development over time

The salary for a medicinal advisor has shown some variation over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 70,200 SEK per month, rising to 73 700 SEK in 2023, corresponding to an increase of about 5%. In 2024, the average salary has been adjusted to 72 900 SEK, which is a slight decrease of just under 1% compared to the previous year. This slight decline can partly be explained by changes in demand or budget restrictions within the public sector. Salary formation is also affected by factors such as education level, experience, and the size of the employer. Despite the temporary decrease, the salary level remains high and indicates a stable long-term development for the profession.

Medicinal advisor salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 72 900 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 50,000 SEK/month (men), 53,900 SEK/month (women)
• Highest salary: 156,100 SEK/month (men), 131,700 SEK/month (women)
• Hourly wage: 439 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 101% of what men do (men: 72 700 SEK, women: 73 200 SEK)
• Regional differences: Data not available

Education and qualifications

A medicinal advisor usually has a medical degree at university level, often supplemented with specialist competence within a medical field. To work in this role, experience from clinical work or research and good knowledge of the healthcare system are required. Leadership training and insight into administrative law or policy development are also advantageous.

• Medical degree: 5.5 years of university studies
• Specialist training: An additional 5 years in relevant area
• Research education: Doctoral degree (optional but meritorious)
• Leadership courses: Often a requirement for training in leadership or administration
• Practical experience: Several years of clinical work or experience from authorities

Common benefits and compensations

Medicinal advisors often have access to benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, wellness grants, and flexible working hours. Professional development and participation in international conferences are also common. Company cars and health insurance may be provided in some cases, especially within larger organizations.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a medicinal advisor is generally high since the number of available positions is limited and qualification requirements are extensive. It is particularly challenging to combine medical expertise with understanding of law, administration, and policy work. The role often involves responsibility for complex decisions affecting many people, which demands high analytical ability and communication skills. Changes in legislation, budget frameworks, and political priorities can quickly alter working conditions. It is also important to handle the sometimes high pace and pressure associated with government authority at the national level.

Tips for those who want to become a medicinal advisor

To succeed as a medicinal advisor, it is good to have strong analytical skills and a genuine interest in societal issues. Building a broad network within the healthcare sector early on increases chances of gaining relevant experience and insight into decision-making processes. Structured problem-solving and the ability to quickly understand new laws and guidelines are crucial traits for managing the complexity of the profession. A high degree of accuracy facilitates reviewing policy proposals and medical data, while communication skills are needed to engage in dialogue with various stakeholders. Leadership experience, even from smaller projects, is valuable since the role often involves responsibility for teams or work groups. Finally, integrity and the ability to withstand external pressures are important qualities in a role where decisions can have significant consequences.

Key facts about a medicinal advisor

• Educational level: Medical degree and often specialist training
• Typical work environment: Office-based, often within government or larger organizations
• Work arrangement: Full-time, sometimes with remote work options
• Demand: 175 available jobs within the profession according to current matching
• Special skills: Policy development, administrative law, and medical expertise

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a medicinal advisor, there are good opportunities to advance to higher managerial roles within government agencies or larger organizations, such as department head, strategic advisor, or project leader for national health initiatives. Forecasts from the Employment Service show that demand for experienced medicinal advisors remains stable, especially within the public sector and organizations working with public health and pharmaceuticals. With increased experience and specialization, international career paths can also open, for example within EU bodies or WHO. The profession also offers opportunities to work as an expert in investigations, consultations, and advisory committees.

Frequently asked questions about medicinal advisors

• What does a medicinal advisor earn?
  - The average salary for a medicinal advisor is 72 900 SEK per month, with variation depending on experience and employer.
• What education is required to become a medicinal advisor?
  - A medical degree and often specialist training are required, sometimes also research education and leadership courses.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 73 200 SEK while men earn 72 700 SEK, which means women earn 101% of men's salaries.
• What are the future prospects for a medicinal advisor?
  - Demand is stable, with 175 available jobs within the profession according to current statistics.
• What are the highest and lowest salaries for a medicinal advisor?
  - The highest salary is 156,100 SEK per month (men), 131,700 SEK (women), and the lowest is 50,000 SEK (men) and 53,900 SEK (women).
• What is the work environment like for a medicinal advisor?
  - The work environment is office-based, often within government agencies or larger organizations, with varying pace and high demands for accuracy.