Overview

• Rector Ricardo Cao argues the program is vital to address a projected 30% physician retirements over the next decade and heavy applicant demand for limited slots.
• Xunta de Galicia convened an urgent Consello de Docencia Clínica meeting on May 29 to defend the 2015 agreement that reserves the degree for USC and to propose enhanced decentralization of clinical rotations instead of a new faculty.
• USC and UVigo rectors, aligned with the Xunta, insist the 2015 framework remains valid and call for faster expansion of hospital rotations in fourth and fifth years under the existing decentralized model.
• Political leaders are divided: A Coruña mayor Inés Rey backs the UDC initiative, Vigo mayor Abel Caballero and the local PP demand equal treatment for Vigo, while BNG and PSdeG urge strict adherence to the 2015 pact.
• UDC highlights the threat from private entrant UIE, linked to Abanca and HM Hospitales, which plans to offer nursing and other health degrees as another reason to secure its own Medicine program.