Panama Advances Medical Certification Standards, Aiming for Regional Leadership
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Panama is undertaking a significant overhaul of its medical certification and recertification processes, driven by new regulations and a commitment to upholding ethical standards in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. The initiative, unveiled during the I International Congress and XI National Congress of the Medical College of Panama held August 7-9, seeks to establish a robust framework for ensuring physician competence and public trust.
The congress, inaugurated with the attendance of high-ranking governmental and institutional authorities, served as a platform to highlight the importance of continuous professional development and ethical practice. Dr. Raquel de Mock, president of the Panama Medical College, emphasized the need for a “common vision of the medicine that Panama needs,” particularly in “these changing times and uncertainty.”
New Regulations Bolstered by Law 43
Central to the reforms is Law 43 of 2004, modified in 2008, which establishes a comprehensive certification and recertification regime for all health professionals. Recent updates, including Resolution No. 822 issued on May 28, 2025, clarify the requirements for establishing inter-institutional councils responsible for overseeing the certification of medical specialties.
According to Dr. Félix Correa, a member of the Accreditation Council of the Panama Medical College, the new resolution will allow for the certification of specialists and subspecialists immediately following graduation, with existing qualified doctors automatically certified. Panama currently recognizes 31 medical specialties and 65 subspecialties.
Emphasis on Continuing Education and Ethical Conduct
The updated regulations mandate 200 hours of continuing education as part of the certification and recertification process. However, officials stress that this requirement is not intended as a bureaucratic hurdle, but rather as “a foundation of trust when the doctor certifies and rectifies,” as stated by a senior official.
Furthermore, the Medical College’s 2023 Code of Ethics addresses emerging challenges posed by advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), telemedicine, and end-of-life decisions. The code reinforces principles of informed consent, clinical guardianship, responsible research, and data protection, serving as a “current, protective and non-negotiable ethical guide.”
A Five-Pillar Commitment to Healthcare Excellence
The Ministry of Health (MINSA) has reaffirmed its commitment to five key pillars in support of these reforms: medical certification and recertification, a solid and updated code of ethics, permanent medical education, relevant clinical research, and equitable public health focused on the needs of the population.
“These are not mere slogans; they are daily transformation tools,” a MINSA representative stated, emphasizing the goal of building a healthcare system characterized by quality, responsibility, and humanity.
Collaboration and Future Outlook
The initiative has garnered support from key stakeholders, including Dino Mon, director of the Social Security Fund (CSS), who highlighted the importance of the certification agreement in protecting the medical profession and upholding its ethical foundations.
Dr. Nisla Camaño, President of the Organizing Committee for the congress, underscored the quality of research presented, noting 19 works demonstrating “that the future of our profession is in excellent hands.” The Panama Medical College anticipates forming the necessary inter-institutional councils by December 2025, paving the way for the first certification tests to be administered in 2026. The goal is to position Panama as a leading hub for medical and scientific research in the region, recognizing that “research is not a luxury, it is the basis for fighting diseases such as cancer or chronicles.”
