Medical self-government on aesthetic medicine: Need for a list of procedures performed inclusively by doctors

"In Polish law, unfortunately, there is no clear definition of aesthetic medicine. We also lack a list of procedures in this field reserved for performance exclusively by a doctor. (...) Such a list was already prepared by medical scientific societies related to aesthetic medicine, and was also consulted with the medical self-government. Unfortunately, it probably still lies on the desks of Ministry officials, because it has never entered into force." - Klaudiusz Komor, vice president of the Supreme Medical Council, stressed. 

The main topic of discussion was the issue of legal regulation of the scope of medical procedures that can only be performed by doctors, and the transfer of knowledge to patients about the safety of such procedures. Patient awareness will allow patients themselves to avoid the unpleasant consequences of procedures performed by people who do not have medical training and thus the necessary qualifications and experience in case of treatment complications. It is extremely important that aesthetic medicine procedures associated with a higher risk of unwanted effects can only be performed by doctors and dentists. In this context, the role of the Ministry of Health to strictly regulate the scope of procedures that only physicians can perform is important. 

"For 30 years, matters concerning aesthetic medicine have not been regulated. The profession of cosmetologist has emerged. However, according to today's legislation, cosmetologists do not want their profession to be included in the scope of medical professions, and they want to de facto work in the medical industry and perform medical procedures." - Senator of the Republic Agnieszka Gorgoń-Komor pointed out. 

"The consequences of these treatments are borne by the patients. We - dermatologists - in turn bear the responsibility for treating them and correcting their mistakes, for treating allergic reactions and reactions - which is unacceptable. These patients should be managed by a doctor from the beginning. Unfortunately, according to a study on health awareness, 70% of Polish women are convinced that aesthetic medicine procedures are performed in a cosmetic surgery. We need to fight this," - Added Ewa Kaniowska, MD, dermatologist, president of the Association of Aesthetic Dermatologists, member of the European Association of Aesthetic Dermatologists, as well as the Polish Society of Dermatology and the Polish Society of Mesotherapy. 

So far, proposals to regulate the competence of doctors and dentists involved in aesthetic medicine are not having the desired effect.  

"Performing aesthetic medicine procedures is a medical service that should only be performed by physicians and dentists. We must stand up for patient safety," - Grzegorz Wrona, secretary of the NRL, said. 

Also discussed were the ways of future actions that the medical self-government, together with the communities representing dermatologists, will take in order to fully regulate the legal scope of aesthetic medicine and popularize knowledge about the safety of the implementation of these procedures, which can only be guaranteed by the performance of doctors and dentists. 

Source: NIL