The future of rural medical education in Spain faces uncertainty as the Government debates the proposal to revitalize the rural MIR program. While both parties agree on the need for reform, the details of the plan are far from being finalized.
Socialist spokesperson Kilian Sanchez cited the rotation system in the Canary Islands as a potential model for the proposed changes. However, the Spanish Society of Primary Care Physicians (Semergen) has expressed concerns about the current state of the rural MIR program, pointing out the shortage of teaching units and tutor doctors.
Vanessa Sea, the president of Semergen Canarias, stressed that the requirement for Family Medicine residents to work in rural areas is already in place throughout Spain. However, logistical challenges and the insular nature of the Canary Islands present additional obstacles.
The Training guide/itinerary for the Family and Community Medicine resident of the Canary Islands Government mandates a three-month rotation in a rural health center. However, the shortage of teaching units and tutors presents a significant barrier to fulfilling this requirement.
The Ministry of Health is responsible for accrediting teaching units for Family and Community Medicine residents. However, there are discrepancies between the official requirements and the reality on the ground. Dr. Deniz, a specialist in Primary Care, described the situation as “unsustainable,” citing a lack of incentives and support for tutors.
Personal experiences from healthcare professionals highlight the challenges of managing the workload and training requirements for residents in rural areas. Dr. Deniz shared her experiences of simultaneously supervising an undergraduate student and a resident, making it difficult to meet the rotation goals.
While the Government debates the future of rural medical education, it is clear that significant challenges must be addressed to ensure the success of the MIR program. Despite these challenges, healthcare professionals are committed to providing quality training and care to rural communities.