The decline of Cardiology in the MIR
Cardiology, once one of the most coveted specialties in the MIR exam, has experienced a notable decline in popularity. In the 2023 election, it was ousted by Ophthalmology and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, taking fifth place on the list of exhausted specialties.
A higher award number
This year, the last Cardiology position was awarded with a higher award number than in 2023. The future specialist with number 3,283 obtained the position at the Mérida Hospital Complex, while in the previous year, the last slot was for the candidate 2,799, a difference of almost 500 positions.
A promising start and subsequent decline
Cardiology got off to a good start in the first round of allocation, filling 47 of the 197 available places, only behind Dermatology. However, this positive trend was quickly reversed, and fewer Cardiology positions were chosen every day.
The last places in Cardiology
The last five Cardiology places were sold out in the following hospitals: Complejo Hospitalario de Mérida (3,283), Hospital Costa del Sol (2,770), Hospital Universitario de Puerto Real (2,662), Hospital Universitario Insular Materno-Infantil de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (2,580) and General University Hospital of Ciudad Real (2,445).
Factors contributing to the decline
The decline in Cardiology in the MIR can be attributed to several factors, such as growing competition in other specialties, the perception of a high workload, and decreased research opportunities.
The future of Cardiology
Despite its recent decline, Cardiology remains an essential specialty in health care. The demand for cardiologists is likely to remain high in the future, as cardiovascular diseases continue to be a leading cause of death worldwide.
Measures to improve the situation
To improve the situation, medical and educational institutions can take measures to promote Cardiology, such as increasing research opportunities, improving working conditions, and highlighting the importance of this specialty in healthcare.
