THE DOCTORS QUALIFICATIONS

Doctors study at the Faculty of Medicine, in one of many Universities throughout Egypt, which is very similar to the graduate course that medical students in the UK follow, taking six years to complete. The doctors that graduate then have to complete at least two years basic training as house officer, then at least two years specialist training in order to take the Diploma in their chosen specialty. Prior to the MD qualification (Medical Doctorate) the doctor needs at least five years specialist training.

The Diploma and MD are similar to the FRCS (1) and (2) in the case of surgeons. As in the UK the second qualification, the MD is specialised so MD Plastic Surgery in Egypt is equivalent to FRCS (Plast) in the UK.

In the case of Plastic and Recontructive surgeons although the training is very similar to that followed in the UK, they have much more exposure to and experience in cosmetic procedures not commonly carried out on the NHS, such as facelifts and new cosmetic techniques such as endoscopic surgery such as endoscopic mid face lift and brow lift

PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS

The General Medical Syndicate is the official regulatory body of the medical profession in Egypt, and cosmetic surgeons should be listed on the Health Register License of Consultant Plastic Surgeons (similar to the General Medical Council's Specialist Register). The members of The Egyptian Society of Plastic and Recontructive Surgeons (ESPRS) have to have a PhD in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery which is a higher degree than the MD involving a research thesis. This restriction limits the membership to only around 250 members.