The Vietnamese Ministry of Health has announced a proposal to replace the current Specialist Doctor I (CKI) and Specialist Doctor II (CKII) designations with a new training model that emphasizes flexibility and aligns with the actual needs and capabilities of healthcare professionals. This initiative is part of a draft circular aimed at reforming postgraduate medical education in Vietnam.

Under the proposed changes, the focus will shift from rigid classifications of specialist doctors to a more adaptable training program that is tailored to specific medical fields. The aim is to improve the quality of healthcare personnel by ensuring that training is relevant to the demands of the healthcare system.

Professor Pham Manh Hung, Head of the Cardiology Department at Hanoi Medical University, emphasized that the quality of the healthcare system is heavily reliant on postgraduate training for doctors. He noted that disparities in healthcare quality across various regions highlight the need for a more uniform and effective training approach.

The new training model is expected to create a significant transformation in how medical professionals are educated and assessed. The Ministry of Health believes that by adopting a more flexible training structure, it can better prepare doctors to meet the evolving challenges of the healthcare sector.

International experiences indicate that many countries do not differentiate between CKI and CKII but instead offer a progressive training path that ranges from basic to advanced specialties. This shift aims to ensure that doctors are evaluated based on their competencies rather than their classification level.

Professor Hung also pointed out that residency training should not be reserved for a select group of elite doctors but should be a primary career pathway for all aspiring specialists. Drawing on examples from countries such as Singapore, Sweden, and France, he highlighted the importance of practical training within hospitals, where doctors can gradually take on more responsibilities as they gain experience.

The Ministry's proposal to eliminate the CKI and CKII designations is not merely about changing titles or degrees; it aims to build a more responsive and competency-based training system that meets the specific needs of the healthcare landscape in Vietnam. If implemented effectively, this model could standardize the competencies of specialist doctors and enhance the overall quality of healthcare professionals in the country.