• Shun-Ku Lin and Jung-Nien Lai.
• Institute of Public Health, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, 112, Taiwan; Department of Chinese Medicine, Taipei City Hospital, Renai Branch, Taipei City, 106, Taiwan; General Education Center, University of Taipei, Taipei City, 111, Taiwan; The Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City, 112, Taiwan.
• J Formos Med Assoc. 2024 Sep 21.

AbstractDespite the advancements in precision medicine, regenerative medicine, and smart healthcare, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) remains vital in Taiwan, reflecting its cultural and historical heritage. TCM is commonly used in conjunction with or as an alternative to conventional medicine and is reimbursed by Taiwan's National Health Insurance, enabling the Taiwanese people to integrate traditional and modern treatments for comprehensive healthcare. This article explores the critical role of specialization in TCM amid evolving healthcare challenges. This highlights the need for specialized knowledge among TCM physicians to manage iatrogenic risks, such as drug-herb interactions, and to improve healthcare outcomes, particularly when integrating TCM with Western medicine. Specialization enhances treatment precision, patient outcomes, and clinical research quality. Drawing on South Korea's experience in establishing a specialist physician system for traditional Korean medicine, Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare's initiatives to advance systematic TCM training and regulatory frameworks were examined, showcasing the development and implementation of a TCM specialist physician training program. In conclusion, specialized physician training in TCM improves patient care, optimizes healthcare utilization, and promotes long-term sustainability of the health insurance system by aligning TCM practices with modern healthcare needs.Copyright © 2024 Formosan Medical Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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