España carece de especialidad en enfermedades infecciosas, según estudio
The section of infectious diseases at the European Union of Specialized Physicians (EMS-ID) has conducted a study warning that Spain still lacks a regulated specialized focus on infectious diseases to train young medical specialists to face new challenges in the field.
This was indicated by a study presented on Monday at the Annual Congress of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECMID 2025). The research analyzed the structure of training programs and evaluation of young international doctors to become specialists in infectious diseases by 2024.
As a result, it appears that 27 of the European countries analyzed recognize infectious diseases as an independent medical specialty, while seven consider it a subspecialty. However, Spain does not officially recognize the specialty or subspecialty.
Researchers highlight this reality, which contrasts with the high volume of scientific production in infectious diseases by Spanish specialists, where Spain ranks among the top 5 in Europe and the top 10 globally.
«This research shows the urgent need to promote regulated medical training to be better prepared for future pandemic and health crises. Additionally, the lack of official recognition of the specialty makes it difficult to attract new professionals and ensure generational relief,» explained Jon Salmaton-García, the lead researcher.
The study also emphasizes the importance of unifying training and establishing common minimum criteria, as there are currently significant differences in programs. Less than 25% of countries offer the recommended six months of training in clinical microbiology, despite its essential role in managing infections, according to Salmaton.
The next step to achieve this harmonization in infectious disease training will be to update European requirements (European training or ETR requirements) and implement the first European certification exam by 2025.
Various international organizations, including the EMA and CRCIMID, as well as the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), have been advocating the creation of the infectious diseases specialty in Spain.
«The results of this research emphasize that establishing this specialty is essential for patients with infections, especially those severe and complex cases, treated by professionals who have received comprehensive training, thus enhancing their chances of recovery and survival,» said Miguel Cisneros, Coordinator of the Professional Committee of SEIMC.
Furthermore, he added, «The creation of this specialty would be very effective, with a 40% reduction in costs compared to alternatives, as the structure for infectious diseases already exists in all Autonomous Communities.»
«It is a priority to move forward promptly in establishing a specialized training program in Spain as an essential measure to ensure homogeneous training, strengthen our ability to respond to new pathogens with pandemic potential, and align our healthcare system with European standards,» Garcia concluded.
FUENTE
