Germany, Austria, Switzerland-Career pathways for continuing education in vascular surgery in German-speaking areas

The continuing education and training in vascular surgery are similar in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Therefore, moving between the countries during the training period is possible. All 3 countries require a 2-year basic training with individual differences. In Switzerland, an intermediate (basic) examination must also be passed. The time to become a specialist is at least 6 years in all three countries. The weekly working hours are comparable. A difference can be seen in the gross salary, which is higher in Switzerland than in neighboring countries; however, the cost of living is somewhat higher as well. Vascular surgeons are organized in a specialist society in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, where the interests of residents are also represented. In summary, a high level of education and training is possible in all three countries but the quality of education also depends on the individual training institution, independent of the country.