Looking into the future: The updated Endocrinology and Nutrition residency training program in Spain

Autores de IIS La Fe

• Juan Francisco Merino Torres

  Autor

Participantes ajenos a IIS La Fe

• Ballesteros-Pomar, MD
• Antequera, M
• Botana-López, MA
• Beato-Vibora, P
• Lander, LE
• Moreno-Moreno, P
• Nicolau, J
• Vázquez, L
• Puig-Domingo, M

Grupos

• Unidad Mixta de Investigación en Endocrinología, Nutrición y Dietética clínica

Abstract

Background: Endocrinology and Nutrition residency training in Spain (MIR program) is undergoing a major update for the first time since 2006, reflecting rapid advances in endocrine science, technology, and educational standards. Internationally, the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) has introduced a unified curriculum to harmonize specialist training across Europe, highlighting core competencies and the need for longer training. This article outlines the renewed Spanish Endocrinology-Nutrition MIR program proposal, detailing its modernized curriculum, innovative assessment methods, and the debate on extending training duration. Advances in modern endocrinology: The updated program highlights emerging areas such as molecular endocrinology, technology-enhanced diabetes care, diagnosis and prevention of arteriosclerotic vascular disease, metabolism and rare endocrine disorders, multidisciplinary obesity management, and the central role of nutrition in patient care. These priorities reflect current trends in clinical practice and the forefront of endocrine research. Assessment innovation: New evaluation methods focus on competency-based training, with progressive responsibility, portfolios, workplace-based assessments and entrustable professional activities (EPAs) to ensure trainees attain defined skills. Formal examinations and objective assessments are introduced to standardize certification. Training duration: A pivotal discussion is whether to extend the residency from 4 to 5 years. Given the breadth of endocrinology and ESE recommendations of a 6-year combined internal medicine-endocrinology training, Spanish experts argue a 5th year is "reasonable"to accommodate new technologies and growing complexity although no consensus has been attained so far. Conclusion: The renewed program aligns with international standards and future-proofs endocrinologist training. It balances broad endocrine-nutrition competencies with specialized skills, modern assessment, and potentially longer training to produce experts equipped for evolving healthcare needs. (c) 2025 SEEN and SED. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.