Critical Care Medicine Added as Official Specialty, Expected to Add Over 100 Specialists Annually

(Central News Agency, Reporter Chen Chieh-ling, Taipei, June 3) The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has added critical care medicine to its list of government-designated medical specialties. Hung Fang-ming, convener of the Preparatory Committee for Critical Care Medicine Specialist Training and Certification, stated that after initiating related training and certification, the first specialty exam is expected to be held in 2028 (the 117th year of the Republic of China calendar), with the potential to add over 100 new critical care specialists each year.

The MOHW announced a draft amendment to the "Regulations on the Classification and Certification of Medical Specialists" last November, adding infectious diseases and critical care medicine to the list of specialties, and renaming otorhinolaryngology to otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery. The first meeting of the Preparatory Committee for Critical Care Medicine Specialist Training and Certification was held yesterday, officially launching the establishment of the critical care medicine specialty system.

In a joint media interview today, Hung Fang-ming stated that this is not only a significant milestone in the development of critical care medicine in Taiwan but also the fruitful result of over a decade of dedicated efforts by countless medical pioneers. He expressed hope that the government and the National Health Insurance system would further recognize the hardships faced by frontline teams working in high-pressure, high-risk, and highly complex environments.

Hung noted that the official designation of critical care medicine and infectious diseases as new specialties this year represents not just a systemic change but also the government's recognition of the long-term dedication of critical care experts to patient care. From the Formosa Fun Coast dust explosion to the COVID-19 pandemic, critical care teams have played a pivotal role in treating critically ill patients.

Hung emphasized that granting critical care medicine the status of a government-designated specialty carries significant symbolic meaning. Previously, critical care medicine was not a government-designated specialty; its training content was jointly regulated by six related academic societies. Now, with the MOHW's decision to incorporate it into the formal specialty system, future training programs, exams, and certification mechanisms must comply with resident physician training regulations.

Hung stressed that this does not negate the previous system but aims to establish a more comprehensive and formal training and certification mechanism after becoming an official specialty. The preparatory committee, comprising 18 members at each meeting, must build consensus. The committee is expected to present a final proposal before the formal meeting in July and explain the details to the Department of Medical Affairs.

Hung said that future training plans will be submitted to the Joint Commission of Taiwan (JCT) for review to ensure all procedures comply with legal requirements. Since critical care medicine was only officially approved as a specialty this year, trainees currently undergoing training are expected to be eligible to take the specialty exam in 2028, in principle, after completing their training.

Regarding the increase in manpower and payments mentioned by MOHW Minister Shih Chung-liang, Hung stated that statistics show the number of critical care specialists in Taiwan is currently close to 3,200. With the formal inclusion of critical care medicine as a government-designated specialty, it is estimated that over 100 new critical care specialists could be added annually, as more physicians will be willing to undergo related training, helping to continuously expand the critical care workforce. (Editor: Li Heng-shan) 1150603