When it comes to pursuing a career in medicine, becoming a specialist doctor requires years of hard work and dedication. The process involves several stages that must be passed to obtain a specialization degree. In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in becoming a specialist doctor, and the differences between specialist doctors and general practitioners.
Steps to Becoming a Specialist Doctor
1. Medical School
The journey to become a specialist doctor begins with a medical degree from a renowned university. Medical school is an eight-semester program that culminates in a Bachelor of Medicine degree (S.Ked).
2. Professional Education
After completing medical school, students must enroll in another two-year course known as “co assistant” or “koas” to obtain a Doctor of Medicine (dr) degree. This program is a requirement to become a general practitioner.
3. Internship
After earning the dr degree, aspiring doctors must undergo an internship to practice as a physician. Known as the Letter of Registration (STR) from the Indonesian Medical Council, this registration is mandatory to work and practice medicine in Indonesia.
4. General Practice
With the STR certificate in hand, doctors can begin their general practice. They can also choose to specialize in their fields, pursue a master’s degree, or enroll in a specialist program.
5. Specialist Program
The Specialist program is the final step to obtaining a specialization degree. It provides education in a particular field of medicine that requires in-depth knowledge and specialized skills to excel. It comprises several specializations, including:
– Acupuncture Medicine (Sp. Ak.)
– Andrology (Sp. And.)
– Surgery (Sp. B.)
– Neurosurgery (Sp. BS.)
– Clinical Nutrition (Sp. GK.)
– Sports Medicine (Sp. KO.)
– Neurology (Sp. N.)
These specialist programs equip doctors with the knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat medical conditions in their area of expertise.
Differences Between Specialist Doctor and General Practitioners
1. Job Responsibilities
Both specialist doctors and general practitioners examine and treat patients. However, general practitioners focus on common health problems, like fevers, flu, and headaches, while specialists diagnose and treat more complex medical conditions.
2. Patient Demographics
General practitioners treat patients across a broad spectrum with a diverse range of health issues, while specialists treat patients with specific medical conditions.
3. Medical Education
Specialist doctors undergo thorough and more in-depth medical education and training in their respective fields of study. Conversely, general practitioners have adequate knowledge in various areas of medicine to handle common health issues.
4. Degree Certification
While general practitioners receive a Doctor of Medicine (dr) degree, specialist doctors gain an additional certification depending on their area of specialization (Sp.). These certifications prove they have specific expertise and advanced skills in a particular field.
Conclusion
The path to becoming a specialist doctor is rigorous and requires years of dedication and schooling. With the right knowledge and skills acquired through the specialist program, these doctors provide quality healthcare to patients with complex medical conditions. Understanding the differences between specialist doctors and general practitioners is essential for patients to seek the right treatment and healthcare for their medical needs.
