mjekët

Mjekët, the plural form of mjek in Albanian, are physicians who diagnose, treat, and prevent illnesses and injuries. They provide medical care in hospitals, clinics, and private practices, and work as part of multidisciplinary teams with nurses, technicians, and other health professionals. The term mjek denotes a physician, and mjekët refers to doctors in general, regardless of specialty.

Education and licensing: Physicians typically complete a university medical degree that covers basic sciences, clinical training, and practical rotations. After graduation, many pursue residency or specialization. Licensing or registration by the national or regional medical authority is required to practise, and most systems require ongoing professional development to maintain competence.

Practice and responsibilities: Doctors evaluate patient histories, perform examinations, order and interpret tests, diagnose conditions, prescribe treatments, and monitor progress. They may specialize in areas such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, or family medicine. In primary care, they serve as the first point of contact and coordinate care with other specialists when needed.

Ethics and public health: Medical ethics, patient confidentiality, informed consent, and evidence-based practice guide daily work. Doctors also participate in public health initiatives, immunization campaigns, and medical research, contributing to population health and the advancement of medical knowledge.

Context: In Albanian-speaking regions and globally, mjekët play a central role in health systems and patient well-being, with the profession evolving alongside advances in science, technology, and health policy.