General regulations on updating continuing medical knowledge

Circular 32/2023/TT-BYT specifically prescribes the updating of continuing medical knowledge for medical practitioners. Accordingly, each individual must accumulate a minimum of 120 credit hours in a 5-year cycle. Recognized forms are diverse. Practitioners can participate in training, seminars, or self-study with assessment. The conversion and certification mechanism is strictly implemented according to regulations. The document also clearly states management responsibilities and related sanctions.

Time and obligation for implementation (Article 3)

Medical examination and treatment practitioners have the obligation to update knowledge regularly. The total required time is 120 credit hours for every 05 continuous years. Regarding conversion, 01 credit hour is equivalent to 01 lesson in short-term training courses.

If participating in many different forms, the practitioner will have credit hours accumulated. The calculation of total time is based on regulations in Article 4, 5, 6, and Article 7 of this Circular.

Forms of short-term training and seminars (Article 4)

1. Short-term training and refresher courses

This form includes courses with programs and materials that have been appraised. Organization can take place in-person or combined online. Organizing units must be medical facilities or educational institutions with the function of training medical human resources.

The training facility needs to publicize the organization plan on the website. The training content must be suitable for the professional scope and level of the trainees. Upon completion, the practitioner will be granted a certificate according to regulations in Appendix No. II.

2. Participation in medical conferences and seminars

Conferences and seminars must be chaired by competent professional facilities. The discussion topic needs to be suitable for the scope of operation of the organizing unit. Speakers must also have professional capacity corresponding to the report topic. At the end of the event, attendees will receive a certificate to calculate credit hours.

Forms of self-updating knowledge and other activities (Article 7)

1. Concept of self-updating knowledge

Self-updating knowledge is a process where the practitioner proactively researches. This includes learning new knowledge and skills suitable for the individual professional scope.

2. Recognized professional activities

• Guiding or participating in thesis and dissertation evaluation councils.
• Acceptance of scientific and technological tasks or appraisal of training programs.
• Participating in professional activities, case consultations, or actual case analysis.
• Attending training courses granting medical degrees domestically and abroad.
• Participating in training courses to grant in-depth specialist certificates or technology transfer.

3. Confirmation and certification issuance

The head of the direct management unit or the unit chairing the activity is responsible for confirmation. The practitioner will be granted a certificate according to Appendix No. II to serve as a basis for recording learning results.

MSc. Le Viet Anh – Deputy Director of the Center for Support & Continuing Education