Vietnam proposes medical training reforms amid doctor shortages

Vietnam's Ministry of Health has proposed new regulations for residency training programs to ensure high standards for young specialists. Under the draft proposal, candidates must hold a medical degree and apply within 12 months of graduation. Notably, individuals are permitted only one attempt at the residency entrance exam in their lifetime. Furthermore, trainees must pass a professional competency assessment after their first year; failing to meet requirements after two consecutive attempts will result in dismissal from the program.

The proposal also suggests restructuring specialist training by replacing the current Level I and Level II specialist designations with a unified specialist doctor degree for each specific field. Formal training for both residents and specialists will require a minimum of three years of concentrated study.

Simultaneously, healthcare facilities in Ho Chi Minh City are facing significant demand for medical personnel. Numerous hospitals and medical centers, ranging from major specialized institutions like Nhi Dong 2 Hospital to regional facilities, have issued recruitment notices for various specialties, including ophthalmology, neurosurgery, and pediatrics. To address these shortages, the health sector is implementing support policies to attract talent to grassroots levels and retain young doctors.