[Medical specialties and specialists in Chile]

The majority of Chilean physicians work as specialists, mainly as internists, surgeons pediatricians or gynaecologists. The number is higher in Santiago than in other parts of the country, with a better supply in the predominantly urban areas of the country. Only a fraction of the Chilean specialists work at the National Health Service. During the 1980 decade a process of specialist certification was initiated as a joint effort of the Universities, the Chilean Medical Association, the scientific societies and the Chilean Academy of Medicine. The residency programs offered by the universities, the high level of specialization, the need for a better knowledge of the specialists needed in the country and the absence of a planning system for the production are discussed.