24-hour Guards Essential for Training of New Family Doctors
The intensive 24-hour guards are a crucial component of the training of new doctors, particularly those specializing in Family Medicine. These shifts not only test the nerves, preparation, and response capacity of residents entering their professional careers but also highlight the pressure and training of health workers.
Known as “door guards,” the shifts in the hospital’s Emergency Department are particularly demanding, requiring health workers to be attentive and ready to handle a wide range of medical emergencies. Many residents, even those trained in other specialties, admit to feeling anxious about spending 24 hours in the Emergency Room, relying on their colleagues and the support of the Family Medicine community to navigate through these challenging shifts.
Family doctors are often described as the shock troops of public health in Spain, capable of handling a wide range of health issues, from minor illnesses to life-threatening conditions. Despite the important role they play in the healthcare system, there is a shortage of healthcare workers choosing Family Medicine as their specialty.
The Minister of Health, Mónica García, has acknowledged the challenges faced by Family Medicine residents, including the heavy workload, the lack of prestige within the medical profession, and the economic incentives offered by other specialties. The recent distribution of MIR places in Spain revealed a significant number of vacancies in Family Medicine, especially in less attractive locations with high administrative burdens.
The Spanish Society of General and Family Physicians (SEMG) has expressed concerns about the high number of vacant positions in Family Medicine and called on health authorities to address the challenges faced by residents in this specialty. Despite being the most chosen specialty among new residents, the SEMG warns of the need to improve the working conditions and support for Family Medicine to ensure the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals in this vital field.