Regional hospitals, such as Santos Reyes in Aranda de Duero, have been facing the challenge of attracting medical talent for years, competing with the appeal of major hospitals in the main cities. However, young professionals like Raquel López-Sepúlveda Moraleda, originally from Herencia, have chosen this center as a viable and enriching option for their professional development.
Raquel and two other colleagues are part of a group of eight resident physicians who chose the hospital in Aranda in 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, out of that initial group of residents, seven have decided to stay at the hospital, demonstrating these professionals’ commitment to medicine in less populated areas. For them, this experience has not only been educational but also an opportunity to build a professional “family” in a close and collaborative environment.
Doctor López-Sepúlveda emphasizes the importance of regional hospitals for medical training, highlighting that working in these centers “toughens you up” as it allows you to see a variety of cases and learn quickly. Unlike large hospitals, here you have the opportunity to work in a team, build relationships, and develop in a more personal and familiar environment. “There’s no need to be afraid of working in a regional hospital. We’ve been told that we all have to end up in a big city but that’s not true,” explains López-Sepúlveda, who advocates for the need to maintain and strengthen healthcare centers in rural and semi-urban areas.
The doctor stresses the importance of supporting rural medicine and primary care clinics, which depend on the hospital as a reference center. “It’s a whole network that we must work together to preserve,” she says, referring to the interdependence between the hospital and rural doctors in the region. The geographical dispersion in Castilla y León makes access to healthcare in remote areas a constant challenge, and hospitals like Santos Reyes are essential for providing quality care to communities far from large cities.
On a personal level, López-Sepúlveda also values the quality of life that Aranda de Duero offers for her and her family. The tranquility of the town, the ease of access to services, and the proximity of everything allow for a more comfortable and accessible life compared to major cities like Madrid. Additionally, the city offers a suitable environment for raising children, which is essential for this professional.
In a context where many medium and small cities strive to retain talent in various sectors, Santos Reyes Hospital in Aranda de Duero stands out as an attractive option for young doctors. The positive experience of López-Sepúlveda and her colleagues demonstrates that these centers can not only train great professionals but also offer an enriching work and personal environment.
You can read a more comprehensive article originally published on Diario de Burgos.
Photos courtesy of Raquel. The featured photo is from the first year of residents with the former head of emergencies.
Spanish post in Raquel López-Sepúlveda, herenciana y MIR, defiende el hospital de Aranda de Duero como un excelente lugar para formarse y ejercer
