Specialist status for breast doctors may be revoked

Breast medicine as a specialty in New Zealand may no longer be included in the specialist category, if the recommendation by the Medical Council comes into force.

A few radiologists who have had the opportunity of working with breast physicians understand the benefits of having them as part of the team. But the rest are still unconvinced about their contribution, so much so that breast physicians are unable to seek employment in breast clinics. And the few who do get in just have to make do with non-specialist work.

In the event of the recognition being revoked, the nation's breast physicians will not be regarded as specialists but will come under the 'general practice' category. This might also mean that the breast physicians will have to limit themselves to diagnostic and interventional radiology, or obstetrics and gynecology or general surgery.



Source: Medindia
SAV