Dr. MC Gupta explains what the term 'specialist' means and clears the air on who can call themselves one. He also clarifies if it is legally allowed for an MD medicine doctor to refer to themselves as a specialist on signboards and letterheads.

But, before you begin, take the poll below.

QUESTION--What is the meaning of the term specialist? Can an MD medicine treat cardiology, neurology, endocrinology patients etc.? Can he claim to be a specialist in such subjects? Can an MD medicine write cardiologist etc. on their sign board and prescription letterhead etc.? Are there any specific guidelines on this?

ANSWER:

1—A common sense meaning of the word ‘specialist’ is a person who is a cut above a generalist and has special expertise in a subject.

2—Regulation 7.20 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, is reproduced below:

“7.20 A Physician shall not claim to be specialist unless he has a special qualification in that branch..”

2—The meaning of the word specialist as per the MCI is reflected in the agenda item no. 8 of the Ethics Committee of the MCI held on April 19-20 April 2004, reproduced below:

“Q.No.1. A person having qualification of MBBS can perform.

1. Caesarean section/operation
2. Hysterectomy/operation
3. Other general surgical procedures

Clarification

“A physician shall not claim to be specialist unless he has special qualification in that branch.” The special qualification means degree/diploma in the concerned specialty. However, this provision does not debar a doctor having proper, documented/certified, adequate training/exposure in an institution recognized by MCI thereby gaining/ competency and experience to work in any particular discipline/branch where he has got special interest.”

3-- An MD medicine can certainly treat cardiology, neurology, endocrinology patients etc. but he must use his own discretion and should not venture to treat those patients who clearly have an advanced or complicated specific disease that ought to be better treated by a super-specialist in the area.

4—It is clear that though he is permitted to treat cardiology, neurology, endocrinology patients etc. who may not have a complicated picture, he should not claim to be a specialist in such subjects.

5—He should not write cardiologist etc. on his sign board and prescription letterhead etc.

Disclaimer- The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of M3 India.

Content from the writer has been directly replicated on the website. No edits have been made.

The writer, Dr. MC Gupta is a practising lawyer specialising in medical negligence cases. He also has an MD Medicine from AIIMS, Delhi where he also worked as a faculty member for 18 years, later working another 10 years as a Professor and Dean at National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi, before pursuing law.