RESUMEN
Objective To find out about the current situation of the health managerial personnel contingent and explore appropriate career training channels. Methods Data on the professionalism of health managerial personnel both at home and abroad in the last five years was summarized through literature review and on the spot investigation and a survey was made by stratified sampling on the basic information, health management career, professionalism awareness, experience in health management training, and career training damands of 2 128 health managerial personnel in Beijing, Zhejiang and Shanxi. Results As a result of the literature review, the primary connotation of professionalism of health managerial personnel was clarified, the major shortcomings existing in the health managerial personnel contingent identified, and the problems confronting health management education pinpointed. Conclusion The current situation of the health managerial personnel contingent is a far cry from the demand for professionalism. It is imperative to popularize on the job training in health management, develop degree education in health management, and formulate and implement supporting policies and measures so as to speed up the professionalism of health managerial personnel.