On Monday, May 5, 2025, the highly anticipated process of assigning places for the MIR 2025 applicants officially commenced, following the examination held on January 25, 2025. This year, more than 27,500 candidates are competing for 9,007 places offered by the Ministry of Health, marking a 3% increase in available positions compared to the previous year.
The selection process, which allows applicants to choose their specialty and training center, will continue until May 28, 2025. During this period, the Ministry of Health will provide real-time updates on the MIR places being awarded as candidates select their options based on their scores.
Significantly, this year's allocation process has introduced several notable changes. For the first time since the pandemic, candidates can now choose their positions in person, a method that had been suspended in previous years. This return to a physical selection process has been welcomed by many, allowing for a more personal and celebratory atmosphere. In fact, on the first day, a vibrant scene unfolded outside the Ministry, with families and friends gathering to support the candidates, resulting in a flurry of hugs, tension, and joy.
In the initial hours of the adjudication, a high demand was observed for specialties such as dermatology, cardiology, and surgery. Dermatology, in particular, has emerged as the most sought-after specialty, with 96 out of its 131 available places already filled by midday on the first day. This trend reflects a broader pattern, as dermatology has consistently been favored by applicants in previous years.
"It’s great to see so many candidates excited about their future specialties," said a spokesperson from the Ministry of Health. The selection process is structured to accommodate two shifts per day, allowing for groups of 700 candidates to choose their placements—350 in the morning and 350 in the afternoon.
Interestingly, the elimination of the cut-off mark this year has allowed all applicants with a positive score to participate in the selection process. This change has been met with enthusiasm, as it opens doors for more candidates to secure their desired positions.
During the first round, cardiology was selected by 52 doctors, filling approximately 25% of its available places. Plastic surgery also saw significant interest, with 30 out of its 55 places filled, while specialties like oral and maxillofacial surgery struggled to attract candidates, with only three selections made in the first round.
Among the candidates, Ana Paula Carrillo, a 29-year-old from Venezuela, expressed her joy after selecting medical oncology at the Hospital Ramón y Cajal in Madrid. "I was torn between dermatology and cardiology, but ultimately I chose oncology because it’s what I love the most," she shared, holding her acceptance letter with pride.
The Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (semFYC) has emphasized the need to improve working conditions for family medicine doctors to prevent vacancies in this specialty. The current call offers 2,508 places for family medicine, highlighting the ongoing challenge of filling these positions, especially in light of last year’s significant number of unfilled vacancies.
In Extremadura, the allocation process began with 227 vacancies, and there is hope that this year will see improvements compared to previous years, where many positions remained unfilled. The region has implemented a talent retention plan to attract candidates, offering three-year contracts post-residency and bonuses for completing master's degrees or related training.
As the selection process continues, the Ministry of Health has assured candidates that they will have the opportunity to fill any remaining vacancies after the first round. This proactive approach aims to ensure that all available positions are filled, particularly in specialties that have historically faced challenges in attracting applicants.
The atmosphere at the Ministry remains electric, with many candidates expressing excitement and anxiety as they await their turn to choose. The combination of in-person and online selection methods has provided flexibility and accessibility, ensuring that candidates can participate in a manner that suits their needs.
As the days progress, candidates are encouraged to stay informed about the selection process and adhere to the provided guidelines to ensure a successful choice of specialty and training center. With the deadline approaching, the coming weeks promise to be filled with anticipation and hope for many aspiring doctors across the country.
In summary, the commencement of the MIR 2025 place selection marks a significant moment for medical graduates in Spain. With record numbers of candidates and a return to in-person selections, the process not only reflects the resilience of the healthcare community but also highlights the ongoing evolution of medical training in the country.
