TRAINING
OF PEDIATRICIANS – A HONG KONG EXPERIENCE
Chap-yung YEUNG
Department of Paediatrics,
University of Hong Kong
Training of pediatricians and physicians in Hong Kong used to
follow the British system until the recent decade. The trainee joined a program aiming
at passing the MRCP examination, which was regarded as a specialist
qualification, although in reality it was intended to permit the trainee to
further specialise in pediatrics.
The University Department of Paediatrics had established a
structured program to rotate the trainees through a 4 year program in
1980. Similar program was
adopted for other paediatric units in 1985 when the Post-Graduate
Paediatric Education and Training Co-ordinating Committee was established.
By 1991, when the Hong Kong College of Paediatiricians was
established, a new proposal in line with the newly formed Hong Kong Academy
of Medicine was adopted. A
6-year program is now in place.
This consists of 3 years of basic training and 3 further years of
higher training. Candidates
are expected to pass an intermediate examination and to obtain an MRCP
equivalent qualification upon completion of the basic years.
The higher training requires at least 6 months of working
experience outside of the trainee’s own unit, and 2 years of acute
medicine. The candidate is
allowed to take on training in a sub-specialty of his choice. An exit assessment on the
candidate’s clinical competence and other performances is made upon
completion of his higher training.
Satisfactory outcome would result in an award of “Specialist
pediatrician” status.