The system of licensing doctors in China

This article gives an overview of the history and current system of licensing doctors in China. It first reviews the progress of medical legislation since 1949 and then explains reforms in the regulation of the medical practice of licensed doctors and their registration for entrance into the profession. In order to explore a way to adapt the system of licensing doctors presently in use in China to an international standard, the author proposes five strategies to reform policy, including internationalization based on the Chinese situation. Equal importance is to be placed on general practitioners and specialists, optimizing administration at different levels and in different categories, improving the quality of countryside doctors, and establishing a promotion system based on accreditation. The author concludes that for reference China should introduce the international standard of medical education and experience in medical training to raise the quality of doctors, regularize medical administration, develop a balanced professional force of general practitioners and specialists, and involve China in the global system of recognition of doctors.