Specialistutbildningen

Specialistutbildningen is the Swedish term for the formal postgraduate training that physicians undergo to become specialists in their chosen field. It follows the completion of the medical degree and the clinical internship (AT-tjänstgöring) and is a central part of Sweden’s medical education system. The program is designed to provide structured, supervised training across medical specialties and to ensure high-quality patient care.

The training is regulated at the national level by Socialstyrelsen (the National Board of Health and Welfare) and organized regionally by Sweden’s county councils and regions. Trainees work in hospitals and clinics under the supervision of qualified specialists. The program typically consists of rotations through different departments, with requirements documented in a logbook and regular assessments. Many specialties also include opportunities for research or a mandatory thesis, depending on the field and local rules. The exact curriculum and duration are specialty-dependent.

Duration and outcome vary by specialty, commonly ranging from around four to six years, and longer for some advanced surgical or highly specialized fields. Upon completion, physicians earn a recognized specialistkompetens (specialist credential), enabling them to practice as a specialist and often to work as a consultant in their field. The title and credentials are regulated, and specialists may be listed in national registers.

Context and scope: The term is most often used for physicians; other professional domains in Sweden have their own forms of specialist training. The system supports standardization, quality control, and ongoing professional development within the Swedish healthcare system.