The programme for Category A Physicians in National Education is intended for doctors who have passed the national competitive exam organised by French Ministry of National Education.

Role

The Physician in National Education works at primary and secondary schools in a geographical catchment area. He or she is a member of the educational community.

The mission of these professionals fits in with the health promotion policy addressing pupils and more broadly the national health policy. They contribute to the success of pupils and promote the integration and support of each of them with specific health needs. They participate in the three key broad themes of the health policy as defined in Law no. 2013-595 of 8 July 2013 pursuant to the orientation and programming for the reformation of the Republican School, namely, education, prevention and protection which form the general approach for promoting pupils health. They are fully integrated into the effective health promoting school initiative.

A systemic approach to pupil health, factoring in all of its determinants, has been fully adopted and in which Physicians in National Education bring to bear their expertise in their capacity as doctors with public health training. They therefore participate in a multidisciplinary effort and provide the entire educational community with technical advice on individual and collective public health of children and adolescents in school. To this end, they ensure that their actions are consistent with the territorial health policy defined by the regional health agencies (ARS) and align with current major orientations (development of psychosocial skills, protection of the well-being and mental health of children and adolescents, and the fight against violence towards children and adolescents).

Objectives and skills

Professional objectives

The course should enable professionals to:

  • perform the missions assigned to them within the education public service;
  • develop their skills in giving technical guidance to national education inspectors and principals and school heads;
  • proficiently use tools and methods in the field of health promotion for pupils.

Skill outcomes

By the end of their training programme, the professionals concerned will be able to:

  • Advise the authorities of the educational community to support decision-making in favour of the individual and collective health of pupils;
  • Communicate data derived from individual or collective clinical expertise;
  • Train members of the school community in the field of individual and collective health;
  • Collect and use scientific data on the health of children and adolescents;
  • Co-design health promotion projects;
  • Apply their medical expertise to ensure successful schooling for all pupils;
  • Contribute to expertise in environmental, hygiene, safety, and ergonomic matters, in accordance with regulations and professional standards;
  • Manage individual or collective risk situations affecting the physical and mental health of children, adolescents, and even adults within the school community;
  • Coordinate actions or lead initiatives by mobilising networks of stakeholders;
  • Evaluate the implemented actions, the used systems, and the responses to recommended orientations.

Entry requirements

Candidates must hold a PhD in Medicine and be admitted for entry on to the Physician in National Education competitive exam.

Non-degree students (auditeurs libres): must hold a PhD in Medicine and practice school medicine.

Contact

men@ehesp.fr 

To find out more about the role and the conditions of admission, visit the website of French Ministry of Education

Modified on 16 January 2025