Four MIR Students Choose Family Medicine Despite Challenges
Raul Pascual, Love Parra, Ana Gimenez, and Maria of Andrew have made headlines as the first four MIR students to choose Family Medicine as their specialty in the Valencian Community. While they could have opted for prestigious reference centers, they decided to complete their residencies in medium or small hospitals to experience a more “family atmosphere.”
The decision to pursue Family Medicine was not without its challenges. This specialty is often reviled due to high patient loads, demanding work conditions, and limited opportunities for private practice. Despite these obstacles, these four students were drawn to the unique patient contact and follow-up provided by family doctors.
Maite, who will be completing her residency at Manises hospital, emphasized the importance of maintaining broader knowledge about medicine. She expressed a desire to know everything rather than specializing in a specific system. Ultimately, they all agreed that family doctors are the gateway to the health system and play a vital role in supporting all areas of medicine.
Despite the demand for family doctors, the specialty faces a lack of appreciation and recognition. The students believe that improvements need to be made to make the specialty more attractive and reduce the overwhelming workload. They also highlighted the need for better training and a shift in perception to elevate the status of family doctors in the healthcare system.
As these four students embark on their journey in Family Medicine, they hope to challenge the stereotypes and showcase the value of this vital specialty. Their dedication and commitment to serving their communities as family doctors are a testament to their unwavering passion for healthcare.