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Open access to part-time specialist training -- the Swiss experience
Ludwig T Heuss1, Christoph Haenggeli
1Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland. ltheuss@hin.ch
Swiss Medical Weekly
|July 2, 2003
Summary
Part-time specialist training is common in Switzerland, with 15% of physicians utilizing it. However, unequal distribution across medical specialties limits its impact on gender balance in the field.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Healthcare Workforce Dynamics
- Gender Studies in Medicine
Background:
- A 1992 Swiss regulation enabled unrestricted part-time specialist training.
- The study examines the utilization of this training option a decade later.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the extent and patterns of part-time specialist training in Switzerland.
- To assess the impact of part-time training on gender distribution in medical specialties.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of anonymous data from 776 physicians applying for specialist diplomas in 2001.
- Questionnaire survey of 1503 accredited institutions regarding part-time training posts.
Main Results:
- 15% of all applicants, including 33% of women and 6% of men, undertook part-time training.
- 24% of institutions offered part-time positions, concentrated in female-dominated specialties.
- Significant disparities in part-time training availability exist across different medical specialties.
Conclusions:
- Part-time specialist training is established in Switzerland, exceeding EU usage.
- The unequal distribution of part-time positions across specialties hinders the reduction of gender imbalance.
- Despite liberal policies, part-time training alone does not resolve gender disparities in medical fields.