Basel University Hospital Reduces the Working Hours of Resident Physicians

The shortage of skilled workers in the healthcare sector is worsening, while at the same time the demands on medical care are increasing. Digitalization is fundamentally changing work processes and job roles, while the next generation of professionals is placing new demands on their work environment. Anyone seeking to attract and retain qualified physicians in this environment must create sustainable working conditions for the long term. The USB has been in close dialogue with the Association of Swiss Resident Physicians and Senior Physicians of Both Basel Cantons (VSAO Basel) on this matter. As a first step, hospital management has decided to reduce the weekly work hours for resident physicians by 1 hour. The Board of Directors approved the decision on September 22, 2026.

Responsibility as One of Switzerland’s Largest Teaching Hospitals

The University Hospital of Basel offers over 1,000 training and continuing education positions annually for the medical professionals of tomorrow. Numerous young doctors complete a significant portion of their residency training to become board-certified specialists at the USB. “The doctors who are training with us today will care for the population tomorrow. In times of a shortage of skilled professionals, we want to relieve doctors of administrative work as much as possible. The efficiency gains create more leeway, which we use to improve patient care and reduce the working hours of resident physicians at the USB,” says Hospital Director Dr. med. Rakesh Padiyath.

ReducedWorkload Through Process Optimization

This reduction is to be achieved through targeted process optimizations, without shifting the additional burden onto senior physicians or other professional groups. Digitalization plays a central role in this: where administrative tasks are simplified and workflows are supported digitally, physicians gain time for their patients and for their continuing education. In this way, the USB combines better working conditions with the responsible use of resources.

Positioned for the Future

With this decision, the USB is sending an important signal regarding the working conditions of young physicians. The USB will decide on a possible further reduction in working hours based on the experiences gained from implementation. In this way, the USB remains future-ready even in a challenging environment—as an attractive employer and as a training ground for the medicine of tomorrow.