A specialised doctor, also known as a specialist or specialist physician, is a medical professional who has completed additional training and education in a specific area of medicine beyond their general medical degree. Specialised doctors focus on diagnosing, treating, and managing complex medical conditions and providing expert care in their chosen medical field. Their expertise allows them to offer more in-depth knowledge and specialized treatments for patients with specific health concerns.
Specialised doctors work in various medical settings, depending on their area of expertise. They may work long and irregular hours, especially in hospital settings or emergency situations. The work environment can be demanding, particularly when performing surgeries or managing critically ill patients. Specialised doctors may need to travel for conferences, research collaborations, or consultations with other healthcare professionals.
To become a specialised doctor, individuals must first complete a bachelor’s degree and then attend medical school to obtain a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree. After medical school, aspiring specialised doctors must complete a residency program in their chosen specialty. Residency training typically lasts several years and provides specialized training in diagnosing and treating patients within the selected medical field. Some specialised doctors may further pursue fellowship training for additional expertise in a specific sub-specialty. After completing residency and fellowship, specialised doctors may become board-certified by passing examinations from relevant medical boards.
ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:
the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.
These skills are necessary for the role of specialised doctor.
Provide healthcare services to patients in specialised medicine: In the exercise of the medical doctor`s profession, provide healthcare services to patients within a special field of medicine in order to assess, maintain or restore patients` state of health.
This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of specialised doctor. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Renal diseases: Renal diseases is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
Microbiology-bacteriology: Microbiology-Bacteriology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
Neurological surgery: Neurological surgery is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
Occupational medicine: Occupational medicine is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
Dermatology: Dermatology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
Biological haematology: Biological haematology is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.
These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of specialised doctor. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.
Manage a healthcare unit budget: Manage a healthcare unit budget. Collaborate in budget planning processes including cost of supplies needed for adequate health services and management.
Manage a multidisciplinary team involved in patient care: Manage, oversee and work with a multidisciplinary team involved in patient care such as nurses and interns. This includes ensuring effective communication, organising work, and providing support for the team members.
Conduct health related research: Conduct research in health related topics and communicate findings orally, through public presentations or by writing reports and other publications.
Employ foreign languages in care: Communicate in foreign languages with healthcare users, their carers, or services providers. Use foreign languages to facilitate patient care according to the needs of the patient.
