Fachärztlich

"Fachärztlich" is a German adjective that translates to "specialist" or "medical specialist" in English. It refers to a medical doctor who has completed advanced training and obtained certification in a specific area of medicine. This specialization allows them to provide expert diagnosis and treatment for conditions within their field.

The German healthcare system has a well-defined structure for medical specialization. After obtaining a general medical degree, physicians undertake a lengthy period of further training, known as Weiterbildung, in a chosen specialty. This training typically lasts several years and involves practical experience and theoretical study under experienced specialists. Upon successful completion of this Weiterbildung and passing a specialist examination, a doctor is recognized as a Facharzt or Fachärztin (female specialist) in their respective field.

Examples of medical specialties include cardiology (Herzerkrankungen), dermatology (Hauterkrankungen), neurology (Erkrankungen des Nervensystems), pediatrics (Kinderkrankheiten), and surgery (chirurgische Eingriffe). Patients are often referred by their general practitioner (Hausarzt) to a specialist when a condition requires in-depth knowledge and specialized treatment. The term "fachärztlich" can also be used in contexts describing services or opinions provided by a specialist, such as "fachärztliche Untersuchung" (specialist examination) or "fachärztliche Meinung" (specialist opinion).