In a highly anticipated event, the process for selecting medical residency placements in Spain, known as the Formación Sanitaria Especializada (FSE), officially kicks off today, May 5, 2025. This year, the Ministry of Health is offering a total of 9,007 positions across various medical specialties, with the most sought-after being Family and Community Medicine, which alone has 2,508 vacancies available. The selection process will run until May 28, 2025, and marks a significant return to in-person selection after a hiatus due to the pandemic.
The excitement among candidates is palpable as they prepare to choose their specialties, a decision that will shape their careers for the next four to five years. The selection process will occur in two daily shifts, one at 8:45 AM and another at 3 PM, where 350 positions will be allocated in each session. This means that a total of 700 positions will be filled each day until all vacancies are taken or the candidates decide not to choose further.
According to the Ministry of Health, the introduction of in-person selection is a notable change this year, allowing candidates to attend the Ministry to make their choices either personally or through a duly accredited representative. "If an applicant submits an electronic application but decides to attend in person, the latter option will prevail," the Ministry stated. However, candidates must be cautious; those who fail to submit their applications or do not appear during their designated turn will lose their priority for selection.
This year’s selection process comes on the heels of a tumultuous lead-up, including an electrical failure at the Ministry that postponed the awarding of places for other specializations such as Biology, Chemistry, and Nursing. Additionally, a blackout across the Iberian Peninsula further complicated matters, causing delays that have frustrated many candidates. Despite these setbacks, the Ministry is committed to ensuring a smooth selection process for the MIR candidates.
On January 25, 2025, over 13,691 medical graduates took the entrance exams for the FSE, with more than 99% passing—a remarkable achievement, especially considering that this was the first year the exam was held without a cut-off mark. This change has opened doors for many aspiring doctors, allowing anyone who scored above zero to participate in the selection process.
The popularity of certain specialties has shifted in recent years. For instance, Dermatology has emerged as one of the most coveted fields, with 131 positions available this year, an increase of eight from the previous call. The top candidates have already made their selections, with the first place going to Cardiovascular Surgery at the General University Hospital of Valencia. Other popular choices include Medical-Surgical Dermatology and Venereology, with multiple candidates opting for this path.
Despite the optimism surrounding the selection process, there are ongoing concerns about the number of unfilled positions in Family and Community Medicine. In 2024, 246 vacancies in this specialty went unchosen, a staggering 87% increase from the previous year. The Ministry has acknowledged this issue and is implementing measures to incentivize residents to complete their training in areas that are difficult to staff.
In regions like Aragón, initiatives are being introduced to attract residents to underserved areas. Candidates can benefit from contracts of up to three years, assistance in finding housing, job opportunities for partners, and educational support for children. Additionally, a loyalty bonus of up to 30,000 euros is being offered as an extra incentive.
Furthermore, the Ministry has expanded the quota for non-EU applicants, who were notably active in the previous extraordinary call and contributed to filling many vacancies. This year’s changes reflect a broader effort to address staffing shortages in critical areas of healthcare.
As candidates prepare for the selection process, many express a desire to experience the moment in person. One candidate, who ranked first in the EIR selection, remarked, "It’s not just a procedure; it’s a moment I will never forget." Such sentiments underscore the significance of this event in the lives of aspiring medical professionals.
Once the selection is completed, successful candidates will need to contact the teaching commission of their assigned center the following business day to schedule a mandatory medical examination. This examination is crucial to ensure that residents do not have any physical, psychological, sensory, or functional limitations that would impede their ability to perform in their chosen specialty. The official start date for the training period is set for June 6, 2025, when residents will begin their roles as professionals in training within the National Health System.
In summary, the 2025 MIR selection process not only marks a return to in-person participation but also reflects significant changes aimed at improving the experience for candidates and addressing ongoing staffing challenges in the healthcare system. With the stakes high and the pressure on, candidates are hopeful that this year will bring better fortune than previous cycles, particularly for the Family and Community Medicine specialty, which has faced difficulties in filling its positions.
