This study of the demographic structure of endocrinologists and diabetologists working in Switzerland at the end of 2011 was carried out to enable the Swiss Society of Endocrinology and Diabetology (SSED), in collaboration with the training centres, to develop a national strategy for succession planning in this field. The results are based on the official statistics of the Swiss Medical Association (FMH) and on a survey to which more than 70% of hospitals and practising endocrinologists responded.