Vietnam's Ministry of Health is planning to abolish the current two-tier specialist doctor training model, known as Specialist 1 and Specialist 2, by 2027. Instead, the country will implement a new training framework that focuses on specialized and advanced training, requiring a minimum of 10 years of education and practice.

During a workshop held on October 9 at Hanoi Medical University, Nguyen Ngo Quang, Director of the Department of Science, Technology, and Training, announced that the Ministry is finalizing a draft circular to guide postgraduate training in the health sector, expected to be implemented in 2027. The new direction will prioritize designing training programs based on necessary competencies for medical practice, differing from the old approach that was primarily task-oriented.

The existing division of doctors into two levels, Specialist 1 and Specialist 2, has been criticized for not accurately reflecting the scope of practice and the depth of expertise required in various fields. Previously, after graduating from medical school and obtaining a practice license, doctors could pursue Specialist 1 training, typically lasting two years, to gain expertise in specific areas such as cardiology, neurology, or pediatrics. Following this, they could undertake an additional two years for Specialist 2 training to handle more complex tasks and engage in management or education roles.

However, many specialties do not develop to the level of advanced specialization, leading to a rigid application of the two-tier system that complicates the evaluation of doctors’ competencies. For instance, a Specialist 1 in dermatology may treat common skin diseases and perform basic cosmetic procedures, while a Specialist 2 can manage more difficult cases, but the differences in their work may not be substantial.

In contrast, in neurosurgery, a Specialist 1 may only grasp basic principles and perform simple surgeries, but to become an expert capable of handling complex neurosurgical procedures, extensive training and practice beyond the two years of Specialist 1 or even Specialist 2 is necessary. There is a clear demand for advanced specialization in fields like spinal surgery or functional neurosurgery.

Many countries do not follow a two-tier specialist training model. Instead, they design programs in stages, from basic to advanced specialization, culminating in a corresponding specialist degree based on the field of study. The Ministry of Health's proposal aims to shift from the two-tier model to a more flexible training program that aligns with the specific characteristics of each specialty.

Quang emphasized that the most significant change will be that the specialist training program must clearly define the specific competencies that doctors need to achieve upon graduation. Educational institutions will be responsible for developing and organizing training programs to meet these requirements.

Under this new framework, after completing six years of medical school and one year of internship to obtain a practice license, doctors can participate in basic specialist training programs in areas such as internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, and dermatology, with a training duration of three years. Doctors who complete this program will be qualified to work in provincial general hospitals. Following basic specialization, they may continue to pursue advanced specialization if their work demands higher competencies.

This approach will ensure that doctors' professional competencies develop in line with their job requirements. The total time to become a specialist doctor could be around ten years, including six years of medical school, one year of internship, and at least three years of specialist training. Those pursuing advanced specialization will require additional time.

The new draft circular aims to create a robust and effective postgraduate training system for doctors, ensuring that healthcare professionals meet the public's healthcare needs. Furthermore, the new model will facilitate Vietnam's integration into international standards, enhancing the recognition of medical degrees worldwide and promoting professional exchanges.

Ultimately, the evaluation of doctors’ qualifications will be clearer and more transparent for patients, based on their specialty, training process, practical experience, and scope of practice. If approved and implemented as planned, this circular is expected to bring significant changes to the postgraduate training system in the health sector, affecting degree names, training duration, and output standards.