A new system has been launched this month to certify medical specialists under a common set of standards — whereas previously the specialist doctors in each of the medical fields were tested and certified according to different rules set by their respective medical societies. Creation of the new system under the Japanese Medical Specialty Board, set up in 2014 by the medical societies, the Japan Medical Association and representatives of university medical schools, is aimed at upgrading the quality of specialists — defined as doctors trained in their respective fields of specialty to "provide trustworthy and standard medical service." It needs to be made certain that the reform will fulfill its intended purpose and serve the interests of the patients.

Progress in medical science has entailed divisions into specialized fields. Young doctors who have passed state exams and finished the initial basic training will acquire the knowledge and experience, and learn the medical technology, in their respective specialty under the guidance of senior doctors. In today's clinical practice, qualification as a specialist is said to be more valued than a medical doctorate.

Since the Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists first launched its own specialist system in 1962, one medical society after another created a system for specialization in their respective fields — and number more than 100 today. However, the standard for certifying and the method for testing specialists have varied within each medical field. Concern over the situation led to the creation four years ago of the Japanese Medical Specialty Board, which prepared a new regime for certifying medical specialists under standard rules. The regime was put into practice this month.