Quo vadis, Endocrinology and nutrition?

Abstract

Introduction: In Spain, the system used to select a medical specialty is the MIR (internal resident physician) exam. The MIR selection number may reflect the interest in a given specialty. Our study objective was to confirm the increase in the selection number and to analyze possible factors influencing the decision.

Material and method: To analyze change over time in the MIR number with which this specialty is chosen and to compare it with other related specialties, as well as the reasons why it is preferred using an anonymous survey to 108 MIRs of endocrinology.

Results: The average number of MIR for Endocrinology and Nutrition has gradually increased to 2336 in year 2018, a trend that coincides with an increase in the number of places offered but is more marked as compared to other medical specialties. Respondents weighed different factors when choosing specialty. When asked about the most positive aspects of the specialty, the highest rated was that day to day activity was "less intense". The most commonly mentioned negative aspect was the low number of techniques. When asked if the specialty had met their expectations, respondents gave an average score of 8.7, although the perceived prestige of the specialty scored only 6.7 points.

Conclusions: There is an obvious deterioration of the MIR selection number of our specialty that it is not so marked in other specialties.

Keywords: Choice; Elección; Endocrinology and Nutrition; Endocrinología y Nutrición; Especialidad médica; Exam; Examen; Internal resident physician; Medical specialty; Médico interno residente; Number; Número.