Series: Insights into working at DIGNITAS
06 August 2025
Part 2: An interview with Myriam* from the Planning Team
What brought you to DIGNITAS ?
I wanted a job where I could be closer to people. I wasn’t specifically thinking of DIGNITAS, but then the job advert caught my eye because – in addition to certain basic requirements such as fluency in several languages – they were looking for suitable personalities.
What are the main tasks of the Planning Team?
The Planning Team examines DIGNITAS members’ requests for physician-supported assisted suicide and coordinates the process up to the “provisional green light”[1]. If the member later decides to make use of an assisted suicide, the Planning Team is also responsible for planning and organising the actual assistance.
Who are you in contact with?
We work very closely with the member right from the start, sometimes also with their relatives. We also liaise with external parties such as doctors, the pharmacy and the undertaker. There is also a constant exchange of information internally, for example with the team that coordinates the necessary official documents and with the team that accompanies members on the day of the procedure.
What do you particularly like about working in the Planning Team and at DIGNITAS in general?
The work in the Planning Team is extremely varied. I hold many strings in my hand, and I am in touch with a wide variety of people from many countries and cultures, both in writing and by telephone. No two days are the same and every path to an assisted suicide is different. Of course, many details must be taken into account and there are non-negotiable requirements to be met. Nevertheless, a lot of unexpected things happen. I always have to adapt to new situations and react to them. I like that a lot, it is very enriching.
At DIGNITAS, I appreciate the fact that I can work very independently and still feel to be in good hands. You are listened to and can have a say in many decisions. I very much value this work culture and the appreciation as a person wich I experience in my job.
Which situations are particularly moving for you?
For me personally, the sometimes very difficult stories of young people can be hard to digest. Or those of people whose life stories have a particular similarity to my own.
What helps you in difficult situations?
At work, the dialogue within the team and the fact that, if needed, you can simply go out and get some fresh air. In my private life, I am fortunately able to detach well from work and find balance with my family and doing sports.
What qualities are important for this job?
Organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to deal with the unexpected. A certain rigour also, coupled with empathy.
How has working at DIGNITAS changed you?
I have become more relaxed and have grown enormously as a person. At DIGNITAS, I have learned to focus on finding solutions rather than letting myself be taken in by problems. This is something I also benefit from outside of work. I have become much calmer and confident in difficult situations. You should seize the day and celebrate, enjoy the here and now much more, and make time for the essentials.
*Myriam has been working at DIGNITAS for almost four years. In addition to her work in the Planning Team, she also accompanies members during an assisted suicide.
[1] “Provisional green light”: Confirmation by a Swiss doctor that, based on a member’s current medical documentation and overall life situation, he would be prepared in principle to issue a prescription for the lethal medication for the member.
