Politicians are alarmed

Medical officers push for a new name and more money

Rosemarie Gössler is a public health officer in the Voitsberg district authority and Styrian professional group spokesperson.

(Bild: Jauschowetz Christian/Christian Jauschowetz)

Call for help from the Styrian districts: The shortage of public health officers is becoming an ever greater problem, with only five out of 13 regions still having sufficient staff. Files are left lying around, complaints are piling up. Those affected are insisting on an image correction and salary adjustments. Politicians are promising a remedy. 

Medical officer or neurosurgeon? "The problem is already rooted in our studies," Rosemarie Gössler, spokesperson for the Styrian medical officers, is certain. "What young doctor would opt for a profession with such a dusty image when they can choose from countless exciting-sounding options today?" Yet the profession would be anything but boring.