Overlæge

Overlæge is a senior physician title used in Danish hospitals, roughly corresponding to chief physician or consultant in other healthcare systems. The term denotes a physician with long clinical experience who holds leadership responsibilities within a department. In practice, overlæger are typically responsible for high-level medical management, complex patient care, and strategic choices within their specialty.

The core responsibilities of an overlæge include direct patient care in complex or high-risk cases, supervising and mentoring junior doctors and residents, and contributing to education and research. They often participate in development of clinical guidelines, quality and safety initiatives, and may have administrative duties such as staffing, budgeting, and departmental planning. In many cases, an overlæge also acts as the clinical lead of the department or a sub-specialty, coordinating multidisciplinary teams and ensuring a consistent standard of care.

Path to attainment usually combines formal medical education with extensive postgraduate training. After earning a medical degree, a physician undergoes internship and specialized training (speciallægeuddannelse) in a chosen field and earns board certification as a specialist. Appointment as overlæge generally requires demonstrated clinical expertise, leadership abilities, and often scholarly activity or research contributions. The title is typically conferred by hospital management or relevant medical authorities and may include both clinical and administrative responsibilities.

While the basic idea is similar in other Nordic countries, exact requirements and duties vary by country and institution. The term signals senior status and authority within a department and is distinct from entry- or mid-level medical roles.