Postgraduate medical education in Singapore.

The history of postgraduate medical education in Singapore is chronicled. Four phases have been discerned; phase I from 1910--1936 when only one local doctor obtained a higher postgraduate qualification; phase 2 from 1946--1960 when 40 qualified; phase 3 from 1960--1970 when 86 qualified. The School of Postgraduate Medical Studies was established in 1970 and in phase 4 from 1970--1981, 391 postgraduates were trained and qualified. This last phase has enabled the National University of Singapore and the Academy of Medicine to provide sufficient expertise in both the private and public sectors. The problem of continuing medical education in Singapore is discussed.