Facharzt

Facharzt is a medical title used in German-speaking countries to denote a physician who has completed a recognized postgraduate training program in a medical specialty and is authorized to practice independently in that field. The title is common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The feminine form Fachärztin is used for female physicians. The designation is legally protected and corresponds to a board-certified specialist.

Path to qualification typically begins after earning a medical degree and gaining licensure to practice (in Germany the Approbation). Doctors then undertake a structured Facharztausbildung (residency) in hospitals or clinics under supervision. Durations vary by specialty but commonly span about five to six years, with a defined curriculum of clinical work, examinations, and documented competencies. A final examination by the relevant medical association or chamber is usually required to obtain the Facharzt title.

After qualifying, a Facharzt may diagnose and treat patients independently within the specialty and may supervise younger doctors and residents. Many fields also offer subspecialty training (Zusatzweiterbildungen) that lead to a combined designation such as Facharzt für X und Y or a subspecialty title. In Austria and Switzerland the training path is similar, organized by national medical associations and subject to ongoing medical education requirements for license renewal.

Overall, the Facharzt system standardizes specialist competence and quality of care across German‑speaking healthcare systems.