Ron Lam questions repeated but restrictive requirement for specialist medical training

It is suspected that the Macau Academy of Medicine only accepts applicants who have completed intermediate clinical training at the government hospital. Lawmaker Ron Lam has issued a written inquiry to query the matter.

The lawmaker cited complaints that he had received as the foundation for his inquiry.

Lam revealed that the Academy requires applicants to comply with the stipulation on prior training pursuant to Law No. 18/2020, but he finds it vague as no specific provisions were denoted precisely.

Hinting that he was told that the Academy only accepts training conducted by the government hospital, the lawmaker suspects that it could cause inequitable treatment and block medical graduates from outside of Macau. Even worse, it turns the Academy into a private club for doctors within the civil service structure.

He cited a law governing registration of medical staff to demonstrate that, in fact, doctors who graduate outside of Macau are entitled to registration, with internship requirements waived.

As such, the lawmaker demands the Academy or the Health Bureau clarify their criteria so as to create more fair opportunities.

On the categorization of specialist medical staff, the lawmaker pointed out that such registration is only applicable to the government hospital. Even those entering private practice after serving at the hospital are not permitted to refer to themselves as specialist doctors.