Family Medicine recognized as Singapore’s 36th medical specialty
Family medicine has been officially recognized by the Specialists Accreditation Board as Singapore’s 36th medical specialty from November 1, with support from the Ministry of Health (MOH).
MOH described the move as a major step in acknowledging the contributions of family physicians, adding that said recognition would establish a clear pathway for specialist accreditation among family physicians with advanced training and raise standards in primary and community care.
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Family doctors who have attained the Fellowship of the College of Family Physicians (Singapore) will be invited to join the first batch of applicants for the new accreditation. There are currently more than 200 registered family physicians who have received this fellowship, according to MOH. Fellowship holders must meet clinical practice criteria demonstrating their ongoing work in the field to qualify.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said the policy is in line with Singapore’s increasing focus on community care and from curative treatment to prevention. He said that family doctors are significant to this change, serving as trusted advisers who help people manage their health and coordinate care within the community.
Family physicians who already hold the fellowship or obtain it by November 30 will have 12 months from November 1 to apply for accreditation. Those conferred after November 30 will have six months from the date of conferment to submit their applications.
A new advanced family medicine program is also being developed by the family medicine fraternity, with the first intake expected in 2028. The program will help support care for Singapore’s ageing population and set standards for specialist accreditation and entry into the Register of Specialists.
The initiative was first announced by then Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary in March during MOH’s Committee of Supply debate.
Source: CNA
Category: Community
