Postgraduate Diploma in Diagnosis and Therapeutics in Internal Medicine

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Postgraduate Diploma in Diagnosis and Therapeutics in Internal Medicine (PDipIntMed&Therapeutics)

Introduction / Background

In the 2005 discussion paper published by the Health and Medical Development Advisory Committee (HMDAC) of the Hong Kong SAR Government, it is recommended that the future health care system, of Hong Kong, should be organized as managed care built on a primary medical care and generalist model, where “family doctor as the first point of contact for acute conditions, as a link with specialist and as the long-term carer in case they have stable chronic disease”. Furthermore, this model should principally be provided by the private sector working in partnership with the Government.

Currently the Hospital Authority (HA) , in collaboration with the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians , provides structured professorial training programmes in primary medical care. Since 1997, they have trained over 600 doctors in Family Medicine, allowing them to undertake specialist registration in Family Medicine.

As recommended by the HMDAC paper, these Specialists in Family Medicine and the existing primary care / family doctors in the private sector are expected to play a more important role in the health care of the community. In this regard internal medicine is at the very core of medical training for these doctors and is essential to maintaining the standard of health care in the community. Furthermore, they will also be responsible for coordinating medical care between different specialists and act as ‘gatekeepers’ to optimize the overall functioning of the system. Thus, with respect to patients encountered in their daily practice, there is an increasing demand for educational opportunities tailored to equip them with up-to-date knowledge and practical skills in: a) the diagnosis and therapy of common acute medical illnesses, and b) the long-term management of chronic conditions.

In response to this demand, we purpose a comprehensive taught postgraduate programme that focuses on common medical conditions with an emphasis on treatment and long term follow up in the primary care setting. It also aims to complement the current passive provision of continuous medical education (CME) activities. We have designed a structured, dynamic and interactive programme, which includes assessment of participants, evaluations from feedback and real-time clinical attachments for hands-on practical experiences. Through this programme participants can become well equipped with updates and skills in major specialties in internal medicine, so as to promote evidence-based medical practice and better patient care. Apart from presenting the most recent factual information, the programme will highlight new approaches and directions for patient management. It will also provide a good opportunity for participants to interface and liaise with different specialists in internal medicine. Lastly, it is also important that medical care providers keep abreast with new developments so as to offer their patients the best medical care available. We anticipate that through this programme, doctors will be able to focus on continuous professional development as well as advances that will have important consequences for their patients.

This program is being organized and run by the Department of Medicine, which has a strong tradition in teaching of medical students, traininng residents in internal medicine and CME. Applications for accreditation of CME will be made to relevant professional bodies, as well as to The Medical Council of Hong Kong as a quotable qualification.