DN Debate. "Doctors flee Sweden when families are split"
A Swedish doctor expresses concern over the exodus of medical professionals due to family separation issues in Sweden.
In a recent opinion piece in Dagens Nyheter, heart specialist Davood Javid reflects on his changing view of Sweden, a country he has long championed to international medical colleagues. He recounts how he would enthusiastically invite doctors from abroad to come and practice in Sweden, praising the nation's high medical standards, collaborative culture, and ability to support family life alongside professional commitments. However, Javid indicates that this sentiment has shifted amid rising concerns about family separations once children reach the age of 18, leading him to question whether he can continue to make that recommendation.
Javid elaborates on the challenges facing his colleagues who have already settled in Sweden. Many are contemplating relocating to other countries not only for professional reasons but also due to the emotional stress of possibly losing familial connections as their children approach adulthood. He highlights a growing trend among medical professionals who perceive greater security and stability for their families in other, more accommodating countries. The fear of family disruption weighs heavily on their minds, causing them to reconsider their commitment to a system they once valued.
Ultimately, Javid's commentary stresses the need for a more family-friendly approach in Sweden’s immigration and healthcare policies. If the current trends continue, he warns that Sweden could face a significant loss of medical talent as skilled professionals opt to leave the country in search of better opportunities for themselves and their families. This situation not only poses risks to the healthcare system’s stability but also threatens the internationally renowned reputation that Sweden has cultivated in the medical field over the years.