The speciality choice of the new generation of doctors is a matter
of concern for the health care system in Switzerland. Ideally, as many
doctors should practise in a speciality as are needed to cover the
population's health care. As the statistics of the Swiss Medical
Association and our study data show, a lack of primary care physicians
as well as of psychiatrists will occur in the next decade. The question
arises whether incentives, mainly financial, will encourage more young
doctors to choose to become primary care physicians or psychiatrists,
or whether access to the speciality qualification programmes and to the
allocation of private practice licenses should be regulated by health
policy.
There should be an acknowledgment of the distinctive features of
female physicians' careers. Workplace conditions should allow women
doctors, if they want, to combine pursuing a prestigious career in
medicine with having a family. There is a need to promote and encourage
their instrumental traits and extrinsic career motivation. Motivational
guidance by senior physicians throughout medical training should not
only focus on the professional career but should also consider the
personal life goals of those being mentored.
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