specialist training regulations

What do the specialist training regulations govern?

They set out the specialist fields that exist, which specialist and subspecialty competencies can be acquired in each field, and which additional training qualifications are available. For each competency they specify a minimum duration, the training content, and required case numbers for examinations and procedures. Training takes place at approved training sites whose directors have received authorisation from the state chamber of physicians, and concludes with an oral examination. On passing the examination, specialist recognition is granted. Progress is documented via the eLogbook provided by the German Medical Association.

Model or binding law?

The 121st German Medical Assembly adopted the revised Model Postgraduate Training Regulations (MWBO) in Erfurt in May 2018. These have recommendatory status and are continuously updated. What is always binding is the postgraduate training regulations of the state chamber of physicians of which one is a member. By May 2021, 14 of the 17 chambers had implemented the MWBO 2018, in some cases with deviations in case numbers and transitional provisions. Therein lies the challenge: anyone who moves to another federal state during training must have it checked how much time the new chamber will recognise. Those who started under the old regulations may under certain conditions complete their training under them.

What does this mean for graduates of overseas studies?

Anyone who completed their studies in Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Croatia, or the Baltic states and enters specialist training with a German medical licence is subject to the same postgraduate training regulations as everyone else. A difference arises for periods already completed abroad: such periods may be credited on application if they are comparable in content and duration. The decision is made by the chamber on a case-by-case basis, usually after submission of certificates, a detailed description of activities, and translations. There is no guarantee, and crediting of entire years is the exception rather than the rule.

Common misconceptions

Postgraduate specialist training is not the same as continuing professional development. Specialist training leads to a new title; continuing development maintains existing knowledge and is demonstrated through credit points. And the postgraduate training regulations have nothing to do with the Medical Licensing Regulations: the latter governs the study programme, the former governs the period thereafter.