The creation of a new professional category, A1+, has become a top priority for doctors in Spain who believe that they need a specific group that better represents their qualifications. For doctors, the demands and duration of their studies, along with their responsibilities, constitute compelling reasons to be reclassified. Sheila Justo, vice president of the Association of Doctors and Higher Graduates of Madrid (Amyts) and technical secretary of the National MIR Section of CESM, explains that reclassification would result in a significant improvement in salaries for doctors, given the higher level of training and expertise required.
However, the exact amount by which salaries would improve if doctors were to join the A1+ category is not yet known. Justo highlights that doctors in Spain receive lower salaries compared to those in other European Union countries, resulting in a significant emigration of medical professionals. The better recognition and financial remuneration offered by a higher category would help to attract and retain talent within the Spanish National Health System.
In terms of work requirements, the functions and responsibilities of doctors would remain the same if they were to be reclassified to A1+. This change would not qualify them for higher management positions, but it would have a direct impact on their base salary, trienniums, and extra pay. This reclassification would serve to recognize the profession and improve the social prestige of doctors, ultimately promoting their skills and defending their interests.
Justo emphasizes the importance of equitably recognizing the medical profession and implementing specific regulations for doctors, given that their employment situation is distinct from other professions. It is believed that reclassifying doctors into the A1+ category would be a significant step toward improving the status and conditions of the medical profession in Spain.