The approval of a new Faculty of Medicine at the University of Alicante has sparked varied public reactions, reflecting the different priorities and interests behind each stance. The decision touches not only the university’s image and budget but also the functioning of public hospitals and, most importantly, the preparation of future physicians who will serve the health needs of citizens. Viewers seeking practical insight into daily life may respond with emotional reactions rather than a full interpretation of the broader implications.
The University of Alicante emerged in 1979 after persistent local effort, a milestone welcomed by the city and the region. The rector’s commitment to the Faculty of Medicine quickly made him notable for scientific and health contributions, alongside a program of reforms in education. Limited growth space, however, led to moves that placed the main exchange of ideas elsewhere, away from the center of the community that had built the university from the ground up, revealing the tension between expansion and integration with the wider academic landscape.
When political leadership shifted in the Valencian Community in 1995, personal frictions arose between the new Conseller and the UA rector, who was known for prioritizing university autonomy. The Consell created the University of Elche with the UA School of Medicine incorporated there, marking an administrative separation. Several departments welcomed the idea of broader socio-cultural development for Elche, while others believed Alicante’s growth would suffer if the medical school remained centralized in a single campus.
The split was an emotional blow for the UA, both because of its unexpected origins and its academic consequences. The appeal was dismissed, with the court acknowledging that the decision was valid but not optimal, noting a violation of institutional loyalty in the process.
UA’s request for a new Faculty of Medicine, approved by ANECA, had awaited a response from the Consell for six years. After a period of deliberate delay and with prepared explanations, the decision was announced, supported by data framed from a local yet narrow perspective. The anticipated benefits for UA and the broad consensus among city political groups and neighborhood associations were cited as justification, though the broader implications remained contested among stakeholders.
It is important to clarify that the Faculty of Medicine has not relocated to Elche. It has always remained anchored in the Elche setup, yet the clinical training takes place in Alicante hospitals, including Sant Joan d’Alacant, through formal agreements that involve both d’Alacant and Elche. In this context, concerns have been raised by the Student Delegation about how joint hospital practices will affect the training and future professional opportunities. The Rector and the Dean of Medicine themselves questioned the announced plan, arguing that it did not meet established academic and scientific criteria. They also highlighted that increasing the number of training slots within existing faculties could be more cost-effective in both the short and long term than creating a new faculty.
The work of organizations such as the National Conference of Deans, the Medical Collegiate Organization, the Medical Profession Forum, the Alicante College of Physicians, the State Council of Medical Students, and related associations cannot be ignored. All emphasize the need for coordination with the administration to determine real medical workforce requirements and to ensure that the number of places in medical programs aligns with health service needs. For decades Spain has maintained a high doctor-to-population ratio and a broad network of medical faculties, as reported by OECD analyses. In the MIR 2022 call, 12,062 applications were received for 8,188 places, with nearly four thousand applicants not entering the program.
The number of available places is tied to the annual budget and, in the post-pandemic period, must respond to the country’s and autonomous communities’ needs. A forward-looking approach calls for expanding capacity in line with demand and to strengthen Primary Care, prioritizing the adjustments long urged by professional groups and associations.
Given the reality that two medical schools are in close proximity and share substantial data, a study of expected outcomes and the commitments required would be prudent. The aim is to minimize harm while maximizing benefit for the city, and to encourage a collaborative spirit between the two universities to share knowledge, align interests, and avoid unwarranted budget competition.
It would be helpful if all parties could avoid feeling isolated and if a guiding framework from the Consell could emerge. Such a framework might outline shared goals and propose a synchronized plan, perhaps a joint or dual degree program, which is achievable in today’s landscape. If the Consell supports this with a concrete decision, the overall appearance would be more coherent for everyone involved.
Facing a societal challenge in Alicante, there is solidarity with both universities, with a hope that each institution will contribute to moving beyond old provincial attitudes and toward a collaborative future that benefits the community at large. [Sources: National Conference of Deans, Medical Collegiate Organization, Medical Profession Forum, Alicante College of Physicians, State Council of Medical Students, and related associations.]