Bethesda Hospital - An employer that supports top athletes

The region is proud of its many sports teams that compete in the top national leagues. But only very few top athletes can make a living from sport alone. Tobias Meier, national league player and defenceman for Unihockey Basel Regio, is able to combine training and sport thanks to a flexible workload at Bethesda Hospital. The budding physiotherapist is completing a 10-week internship at Bethesda Hospital and gives us an insight into his everyday life

Tobi, how do you reconcile your career as an athlete with your training at Bethesda Hospital?

During my 10-week internship here at Bethesda Hospital, I train every evening and twice a week in the morning before work. Then there are 1-2 games per weekend. So I've planned my training sessions so that I can complete them as fully as possible during my internship.

That doesn't work without your boss making concessions, does it?

That's right and I'm very grateful for that. However, I first had to submit an application to the school, which was then fortunately approved. The physiotherapy department supports me a lot by allowing me to work an hour less every day so that I can train in the mornings before work, as mentioned above, and so that I can complete certain team training sessions at all.

«Bethesda was at the top of my wish list because of its good reputation among students in the older years.»

Tobias Meier, top athlete and intern at Bethesda Hospital

What can you take away from the training for sport?

Physiotherapy teaches you a lot about the body. As a result, I also learn to better recognise certain signals from my body and can sometimes cure minor ailments myself.

What are your plans after your training?

After graduating in autumn 2025, my goal would be to gain professional experience in physiotherapy and find an employer who supports my involvement in elite sport. I would like to work part-time so that I can continue to invest more in sport as long as I am physically able to play at this level.

Bethesda Spital is proud to give Tobias Meier and other athletes the opportunity to successfully combine their education and sporting careers. As an employer, Bethesda Hospital supports its employees in their individual goals and offers part-time opportunities in various functions, thus also promoting work-life balance.

Thank you very much for the interview. Bethesda Hospital wishes you all the best - both professionally and athletically.