Vietnam plans to overhaul specialist doctor training from 2027

Under the current system, doctors can pursue a Level I specialist qualification, typically requiring two years of training, followed by a Level II qualification involving another two years of advanced study.

The proposed reform would eliminate this distinction, replacing it with training programs tailored to the competencies required in individual medical specialties.

Nguyen Ngo Quang, director of the Department of Science, Technology, and Training under the Ministry of Health, outlined the plan at a workshop held at Hanoi Medical University last week.

He said the ministry was finalizing a draft circular on postgraduate medical education, with implementation expected to begin in 2027.

According to Quang, the existing two-tier system does not adequately reflect doctors' scope of practice or the varying levels of expertise required across medical disciplines.

Not all specialties require further subspecialization, meaning a uniform two-level structure may not accurately reflect the different professional requirements of individual fields.

The proposed model would instead allow doctors to progress from specialty training to more advanced subspecialty education when necessary, in line with approaches adopted in many other countries.

New pathway could take 10 years to produce specialist doctors

The draft also proposes a new medical training pathway consisting of six years of medical school, one year of supervised clinical practice to qualify for a medical licensing examination, and at least three years of specialty training.

Under the proposed 6+1+3 model, doctors completing the first seven years would primarily work at grassroots healthcare facilities, while those practicing at higher-level hospitals would be required to hold specialty or subspecialty qualifications.

After completing specialty training, doctors could pursue further subspecialty education depending on their clinical responsibilities.

For example, surgeons could undergo additional training in cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or orthopedic surgery.

The pathway would bring the total time required to become a specialist doctor to approximately 10 years, with additional training needed for those pursuing subspecialties.

Quang said the proposed changes would better align medical education with professional competency requirements and international practices.

The reform would mark a significant departure from the current system, under which doctors can begin practicing after meeting licensing requirements and pursue specialist qualifications later in their careers.

The ministry expects the changes to establish a more structured postgraduate medical education system and improve the quality of healthcare services.

Greater focus on continuing medical education

At the workshop, health officials also discussed quality assurance in continuing medical education and the issuance of professional certificates to healthcare workers.

Quang noted that healthcare professionals at grassroots facilities often struggle to attend lengthy training programs, making shorter courses essential to improving their clinical skills.

He urged provincial and municipal health departments to incorporate continuing medical education into their annual training plans, with clear requirements for instructors, course content, and learning outcomes.

Training programs must ultimately deliver measurable improvements in the professional competencies of doctors and other healthcare workers, he said.

The proposed reforms remain under development and have not yet taken effect.