Profile of the Profession

Description of Medical Specialist

Medical specialists are health professionals with a degree in general medicine who have taken more than five years of postdoctoral specialization studies in a particular field of expertise (medical and surgical specialties) and who have passed all the required examinations.

When first-line care providers cannot ensure or provide the treatment required, patients visit a medical specialist who acts as a second- or third-line consultant. Specialists also act as a reference source for first-line physicians (general practitioners) in drawing up treatment plans to be supervised by the first-line medical team.

Specialists mainly work in hospitals and have specialized office practices. They also supervise residents and medical students.