The Swedish Medical Association

The Swedish Medical Association (Läkarförbundet) is a union and professional organization with significant influence, and a union that decision-makers and the media pay attention to. Our strength lies in the fact that nearly 90 percent of Sweden’s doctors are members. Such unity makes it easier for the profession to achieve its aims. Another strength is doctors’ prime importance in leading and developing the healthcare system.

As a union, the Swedish Medical Association focuses on wages and working conditions. However, issues relating to the organization of healthcare and the work of doctors are equally important. In other words, as well as being the doctors' union, the SMA is also a professional association which works to strengthen the status of doctors within the healthcare system and to improve healthcare in general.

The Swedish Medical Association has a wide-ranging forecasting operation, which aims to calculate the number of newly-qualified doctors that will be needed in the future. This activity is carried out together with medical associations in the other Nordic countries. Quality and effectiveness in medical training is another important area of activity. The association cooperates widely with the medical profession internationally.

For individuals, being a member of the Swedish Medical Association provides security. Members have access to personal advice from the association's lawyers and advisors. Advice can be sought on matters relating to salary and terms of employment, labour law and healthcare law.

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