The allocation process for Resident Internal Medical (MIR) positions for 2026, which began on Monday, May 4, has revealed a concerning trend in its initial days. Despite the high number of available positions in Family and Community Medicine, this specialty is not among the top choices for applicants with the best scores.
Out of the first 1,400 candidates who have selected their destination, only six have chosen to train in Family Medicine in the health districts and areas of Andalucía. This data highlights a significant disproportion between the 440 positions offered for this specialty, out of a total of 1,508 in the community, and the actual demand in the early stages of the process.
The first allocations for Family Medicine were recorded in Jaén, Sevilla, Granada, and Córdoba. The very first choice occurred at position 109 in the Jaén-Jaén Sur health district. Subsequently, positions were selected in Sevilla Aljarafe, Granada Metropolitano, and Córdoba-Córdoba Guadalquivir. During the second day, two more choices were added, both in Granada Metropolitano. However, provinces such as Almería, Cádiz, Huelva, and Málaga have not registered any allocations in this specialty during the first two days.
“"This is a chronicle of a death foretold. It has been going on for many years."
A Primary Care specialist has indicated that this situation is not new and reflects a structural trend. However, she clarified that the behavior of allocations usually changes as the process progresses, and that the Family Medicine specialty typically fills its positions, albeit progressively, often by elimination rather than as a priority choice.
Among the factors contributing to this lack of interest are precarious contracts, salary differences compared to other autonomous communities, and an increasing bureaucratic burden that reduces time for clinical care. Furthermore, difficulties in work-life balance, constant exposure, and a perceived loss of social recognition deter many applicants, despite the intrinsic value of the discipline.
