UDA Medicine graduate excels in MIR exams

Mateo Vintimilla is a graduate of the 2018 class from the Universidad del Azuay in the Medicine career. Vintimilla gave an outstanding performance in the MIR exam, Medical Internal Residents, which is the only one of its kind to carry out a medical specialization in Spain.

The graduate was the best qualified among all the Ecuadorian applicants.

This call is generated by the Ministry of Health of Spain and was held on March 27 of the current year at the various headquarters of this institution, which are located in most cities in Spain.

Mateo Vintimilla considers that his story is a motivation for the rest of the health professionals who, many times, when facing an international examination, limit themselves when compared to doctors living abroad.

What was the preparation process for such a complex exam?

It is an exam that requires a lot of commitment. For me it was the second time that I applied to this call. His preparation was very intense. It lasts around 10-12 months.

In this first preparation I went to Barcelona. This study is divided into several areas, where exams are taken for 10 hours a day and texts related to relevant topics are read. At the end of each week a simulator is made where the progress of the student is reflected.

How many applicants were there in the 2021 call?

There were about 14.000.

The challenge within this space is generated by being a foreign doctor, since there is only a right to 4% of the places.

What is the format of this exam?

It consists of multiple choice questions, the exam is given in a single day and time for all applicants. There are 185 questions, of which 20-25 questions are related to X-ray images, electrocardiograms, etc.

From a personal point of view, what do you consider to be the biggest challenge when taking this exam?

When I returned from Spain, I began to work in a health institution, shortly after the pandemic state began, therefore, balancing study and work was a challenge.

Doctors, despite being considered heroes by the media, were very afraid as this was an unprecedented situation.

However, there came a point where I decided to give up a possible appointment, vaccination, and job stability to pursue a master's degree.

Since the month of November, I have intensified my study rhythm for this exam, completing around 200 questions per day ”.

Is there a question bank within this exam?

It does not exist, these are infinite. I enrolled in an academy where it has its own question bank, however, there is no official provision. Therefore, in my preparation I asked an estimated 30.000 questions.

Within the various application categories, where did you rank?

We were 491 Ecuadorians who took the exam, in this group I reached first place.

In the total group of foreigners there were a total of 1.740 participants and I obtained the 17th position. Within the global group of I obtained the 929th position out of 14.000 applicants.

 

UDA Correspondent