Clinical pharmacology and pharmaceutical medicine – creation of a new specialist title for physicians in Belgium

Belgium has a vibrant health eco-system, with world-class universities and hospitals, and a strong presence of pharmaceutical companies, resulting in a substantial contribution to drug development and a high number of clinical trials. Talent development is pivotal for further growth of this eco-system and to attract future professionals. Although physicians play an important role in this complex eco-system, with an estimated 400-450 Belgian physicians presently active in the field of the drug life cycle, Pharmaceutical Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology were not recognized as a speciality in Belgium until recently.It took a group of engaged people almost 20 years to create this new title, based on the European Directive 2005/36/EG appendix V, mentioning the medical specialties accepted in Europe and requiring a minimum training of 4 years. Although in this directive only 'pharmacology' is mentioned, a title of physician-specialist in Clinical Pharmacology/Pharmaceutical Medicine was proposed by the High Council for Physician-Specialists and General Practitioners to the Minister of Social Affairs. The Ministerial Decree was finally published in October 2023. The current paper describes the process of unwavering perseverance, clarity on the added value offered to stakeholders and the continued support of advocates in reaching the goal.