The Swiss voice in the world since 1935

More and more young doctors are women 

young woman doctor in mask
The latest survey confirms a trend of more women, especially among the young, going into medicine. Keystone / Alessandro Crinari

In Switzerland, six out of ten doctors aged under 40 are women, according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). 

This is more than double the proportion of women doctors among members of the profession aged 60 to 64 (28%), the FSO said on Friday. Women make up 41% of all the 23,000 doctors working in Switzerland. They nevertheless tend to work fewer hours. While 77% of male doctors work five days per week, only 65% of women doctors do. 

These are the findings of the latest FSO structural survey of surgeries and out-patient centresExternal link and are based on 2018 statistics. The survey confirms a trend towards more women doctors and also foreign doctors working in Switzerland.  

Foreign doctors

Foreign or foreign-trained doctors “play an important role” in Switzerland, notes the FSO. Nearly a quarter (23%) of the doctors in practice do not have a Swiss passport. In addition, just under a third (30%) of all practitioners obtained their degrees abroad, especially in neighbouring countries. 

More

Another striking figure is that 29% of self-employed doctors work in a group practice. Among general practitioners and paediatricians, the proportion is as high as 39%. 

Of the 16,924 practices and out-patient centres in Switzerland as of December 31, 2018, 14% of the physicians were over retirement age. 

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

Lakes in Central Switzerland have the best bathing water quality

More

Lakes in Central Switzerland have best water quality for bathing

This content was published on Anyone who swims in a lake in Central Switzerland need have no fear of infection from intestinal bacteria. The water samples taken at 65 bathing sites in 13 lakes all have good to excellent bathing water quality.

Read more: Lakes in Central Switzerland have best water quality for bathing
Historic ring stolen from Basel museum

More

Historic Russian ring stolen from Basel museum

This content was published on Unknown assailants have stolen a historic ring from a Basel museum. The stolen item was a gift from Russian Tsar Alexander I to his host in Basel in 1814.

Read more: Historic Russian ring stolen from Basel museum
Ceasefire drives stock markets higher

More

Ceasefire drives stock markets higher

This content was published on The ceasefire in the Iran-Israel war has visibly eased tensions on the financial markets. The SMI, Switzerland's leading stock market index, has risen above the 12,000 point mark again.

Read more: Ceasefire drives stock markets higher
Swiss stick to tipping in cash

More

Swiss stick to tipping in cash

This content was published on The vast majority of Swiss people tip in restaurants – and preferably in cash. However, there are regional differences.

Read more: Swiss stick to tipping in cash

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR