1. University of Barcelona (UB) – Spain’s top medical institution
The University of Barcelona (UB), founded in 1450, is consistently ranked #1 in Spain for clinical medicine, with ~62,000 students and over 5,000 research staff across 243 groups and world-class institutes IDIBAPS, IRBB and IDIBELL Yocket Study Abroad+4studiesin.com+4Kochiva+4Wikipedia+1.
Clinical & Research Fellowships:
• UB is tied closely to major teaching hospitals like Hospital Clínic Barcelona, participating in national and international training programs. While formal subspecialty fellowships akin to North America are uncommon, opportunities exist via post-MIR specialization, research residencies, and MD–PhD tracks.
• UB collaborates with institutions like VHIO and Barcelona Supercomputing Center on translational fellowships, especially for oncology, neurology, and immunology.
MD–PhD / Research Fellowships:
• UB supports strongly funded PhD fellowships within IDIBAPS and IRBB, funded through EU Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions, ISCIII, and regional grants. These typically include clinical–research mentoring over 3–4 years.
• The FPU programme of the Ministry of Education offers predoctoral contracts for outstanding graduates. There are also “Beatriu de Pinós” fellowships for postdoctoral Spanish/European researchers.
• International candidates may apply through EU-funded schemes or partner universities.
Access & Eligibility:
• Spain’s MIR system is required for clinical specialization. Graduation from UB’s Medicine degree does not directly grant access, but the university ranks among top producers of high scoring MIR candidates.
• For research fellowships: candidates normally hold a Master’s and produce a research proposal, often under a UB PI; competitive grants seek academic records, language proficiency, and publications.
Outcomes:
• Many UB fellows progress to positions in Europe’s leading academic hospitals or research centers, with strong publication and grant-track records.
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2. Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB)
Ranked #2 in Spain, UAB (est. 1968) is renowned for its research excellence and practical, employs high standards in health sciences edurank.orgWikipedia.
Teaching & Clinical Structure:
• UAB’s Faculty of Medicine is integrated with Hospital de Bellvitge and Hospital Parc Taulí, offering robust clinical exposure during the Degree and MIR training phases.
Fellowship style Opportunities:
• UAB offers research contracts (FPU/FPI), pre doctoral scholarships, and international visiting fellowships for specialties like neurosciences, oncology, and public health.
• Programmes are frequently supported by CIBER networks (e.g. CIBERONC) and public grants from ISCIII or Catalan Government.
MD PhD Path:
• The International Joint PhD in Biomedicine—a collaboration among UAB, UB, and IRBB—offers structured clinical research training, EU funding, and international rotation.
Eligibility & Access:
• After MIR specialization, trainees can apply for short-term observerships or longer research fellowships; many funded by EU Horizon Europe or Catalan & Spanish research agencies.
• English proficiency often required for research proposals; bilingual Spanish/Catalan environment.
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3. Complutense University of Madrid (UCM)
Established c. 1293, UCM is Spain’s oldest and largest public research university (~86,000 students) and ranks #3 nationally for medicine YouTube+4edurank.org+4usnews.com+4standyou.comWikipedia+1.
Clinical Structure:
• The Faculty of Medicine links with major hospitals: Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Hospital Gregorio Marañón, and Hospital 12 de Octubre, which drive both clinical training and MIR specialization.
Fellowship-Like Programs:
• Formal subspecialty fellowships are rare, but international MIR graduates and residents may undertake visiting observerships in leading Madrid hospitals.
• UCM offers FPI/FPU PhD contracts, post residency research appointments, and grants in public health, genetics, and neurosciences.
Research Fellowships & Outputs:
• Clinical researchers often join projects funded by ISCIII or EU FP7/Horizon Europe.
• MD–PhD paths lead to doctoral defenses, with many joining Centre for Neuroscience or National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) labs.
Access & Eligibility:
• Top-tier MIR applicants often graduate from UCM, benefiting from hospital networks that shape selection into hospital-based fellowship programs.
• Research roles require academic records, and PhD competition is high—preferably with MSc and publications.
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4. Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM)
Ranked among top Spanish universities for Medicine and Nursing, and frequently ranking #1 nationally for science disciplines Wikipedia.
Clinical & Institutional Setting:
• UAM’s School of Medicine affiliates with Hospital La Paz, Gregorio Marañón, and the National Centre for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC).
Fellowship / Research Training:
• Offers pre doctoral FPU/FPI contracts, plus bespoke clinical research fellowships in cardiovascular medicine, endocrinology and oncology.
• UAM is known for research excellence and international exchange programs, including Marie Curie and Erasmus Mundus fellowships.
MD–PhD and Postdoc Tracks:
• The University’s Research School supports dual training: residents may combine clinical work with funded research, culminating in a doctoral thesis under integrated supervision.
Access:
• MIR results allocation highly competitive; many UAM graduates secure top specialties.
• Research fellowships require proficiency in Spanish/English and a strong biomedical MSc; postdoc roles require a defended doctoral thesis.
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5. University of Valencia
A historic institution founded in 1499, ranked #5–6 in Spain for clinical medicine and recognized for pharmacology and health science output Wikipedia+15edurank.org+15Gyanberry+15WikipediaYocket Study Abroad+3edu-consultancy.com+3usnews.com+3.
Clinical Context:
• Its Faculty of Medicine collaborates with Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia and Hospital La Fe, the latter renowned for specialty care.
Fellowship & Research Training:
• PhD fellowships via Sánchez del Río grants or ISCIII funding in translational medicine, rare diseases, and oncology.
• Offers clinical research tracks where MIR residents contribute to multicentre trials during specialization.
International Access:
• Valencia participates in Marie Skłodowska Curie and Erasmus+ schemes, inviting international researchers for short term or year-long fellowships.
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6. University of Granada
Founded in 1531 and ranked #6 nationally for medicine (#149 Europe) with strengths in neuroscience, tropical medicine, and public health edurank.orgGyanberry.
• Teaching hospitals include Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves and Hospital Clínico San Cecilio.
• Offers PhD fellowships funded by Andalusian regional government and national ISCIII grants, especially for clinical neuroscience and infectious diseases.
• Strong participation in EU-funded consortia enables international visiting positions for research fellows.
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7. University of Santiago de Compostela
Ranked #7 nationally (#165 Europe), with medical excellence and a high MIR exam placement rate.
• Links to Hospital Clínico de Santiago, supporting clinical training and observational programs.
• Research fellowships available in geriatrics, oncology, and tropical medicine via Galician government and ISCIII.
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8. University of Navarra (private)
Ranked #8 for medicine, known for its private Clínica Universidad de Navarra and strong research output (4330 publications, high D-index) Research.com.
• Navarra offers structured observership fellowships in specialties like gastroenterology, oncology and surgery, often short-term (1-3 months) through the clinic’s international office.
• Fully funded MD–PhD options offered to Spanish and international graduates; supported by Fundación Navarra and Clinic based research funds.
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9. University of Seville
Ranked #9 (#190 Europe), Andalusia’s largest medical school (~1551 founding) edurank.orgYocket Study Abroad.
• Affiliated hospitals: Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, offering MIR training and post residency observership roles.
• Offers regional pre doc PhD fellowships and research positions in public health and tropical medicine.
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10. University of Murcia
Ranked #10 (#195 Europe), grows in medical research and clinical training strengths Yocket Study Abroad+7edurank.org+7Gyanberry+7.
• Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca collaborates on translational medicine projects.
• Offers limited MD PhD scholarships and short-term fellowships via regional government or EU.
11. University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) — Bilbao
Ranked #11 in Spain for medicine and around #197 in Europe WeMakeScholars+8scimagoir.com+8Universitat Pompeu Fabra+8Kochiva+1, UPV/EHU is a research oriented public university with strong ties to the Hospital Universitario Cruces and Donostia University Hospital. These hospitals are MIR training centres, delivering broad exposure in specialties such as oncology, cardiovascular, and neurology.
Fellowship like & research paths:
While independent subspecialty fellowships in the American model are uncommon, UPV/EHU provides pre doctoral and post doctoral research fellowships funded through national (ISCIII) or Basque regional agencies. Many emphasis fields include translational oncology, neuroimaging, and public health. Researchers can apply for Marie Skłodowska Curie (MSCA) postdoc fellowships, hosted by health science groups within the regional Basque research network.
Clinical research engagement often involves post MIR residents contributing to multicenter clinical trials within hospital networks. Observership or visiting research placements can be arranged via departmental agreements with university hospitals.
Eligibility:
– Hold a relevant Master or Medical degree and research proposal.
– PhD candidates apply via the University Doctoral School, typically securing ISCIII/FPI or regional pre doctoral scholarships.
– Postdoc applications through MSCA or national post doctoral grants, often with institutional support in proposal preparation.
Strengths & outcomes:
UPV/EHU has rising impact in medical publishing, particularly in neurosciences and cardiovascular research. Graduates often progress to international research centres or faculty positions within Spanish universities or public health agencies.
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12. University of Zaragoza
Ranked #12 nationally (#202 in Europe) i3a.unizar.esscholarshipdb.net, the University of Zaragoza collaborates closely with Hospital Miguel Servet and Hospital Clínico Universitario, offering strong clinical training for MIR residents.
Medical Research Fellowships:
The Doctoral Programme in Medicine is a 4 year track focused on translational biomedical research, with modest tuition (~€1,378/year) University of Alicante+7Univacity+7rwjms.rutgers.edu+7. Zaragoza hosts institutes like BIFI / I3A, which support fully funded PhD fellowships, including Boehringer Ingelheim funds and those via NANBIOSIS U27 for biomedical computing projects WeMakeScholars+3nanbiosis.es+3biofisica.info+3.
Visiting Clinical/Observership Placements:
Rutgers University’s global health program sends up to two MS-level students annually for a 4 week immersion at Hospital Miguel Servet, including clinical rotations and seminars on the Spanish health system. Visiting placements for international doctors can sometimes be arranged through health science faculty connections rwjms.rutgers.edu.
Eligibility:
– Pre doctoral candidates typically need a master’s degree, research proposal, and pass admission via the Zaragoza Doctoral School.
– Post doctoral researchers often enter via MSCA fellowships, hosted at research institutes such as I3A or local biomedical labs.
Strengths & outputs:
Zaragoza excels in interdisciplinary research (e.g. biomedical engineering) and clinical epidemiology. Its research fellows regularly publish in high impact journals, and alumni proceed to MSCA postdoc positions or academic posts across Europe.
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13. University of Salamanca
Ranked #13 in Spain (#217 in Europe) i3a.unizar.es+2Queen Mary University of London+2, Salamanca is one of Europe’s oldest institutions (est. 1218). It affiliates with Hospital Clínico Universitario de Salamanca for MIR training, especially in neurology, geriatrics, and pathology.
Fellowship programs:
Pre doc and post doc fellowships are available through ISCIII and regional Junta de Castilla y León grants. Research concentrations include neurology, oncology, and public health. Visiting research placements can be arranged for international PhD candidates via institutional and European Union mobility funds.
Eligibility & pathways:
Similar to other major Spanish universities, entry into MD PhD tracks requires a master’s and research proposal approval. Clinical observerships may be arranged through hospital international offices.
Research strengths:
Salamanca produces a substantial output in neuroscience and public health, and many postgraduate researchers transition into EU-funded consortia or healthcare research institutions domestically and abroad.
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14. University of Oviedo
Ranked #14 in Spain (#231 Europe) edurank.org, Oviedo serves northern Spain with its School of Medicine linked to Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias.
Fellowships & research:
Offers pre doctoral contracts in health sciences via regional funds (Asturias government) and national ISCIII schemes. Focus areas include endocrinology, respiratory medicine, and rural health. Post doctoral placements occasionally supported via Horizon Europe grants.
Eligibility:
PhD admission requires prior MSc and approved research project. Visiting scholars may arrange short-term stays via institutional affiliations.
Strengths:
Oviedo excels in clinical epidemiology, pulmonary research, and public health, with impact in applied research within northern Spanish healthcare systems.
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15. Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) — Barcelona
Although primarily known for social sciences and economics, UPF ranks around #15–16 nationally for research influence in medicine due to affiliations with Vall d’Hebron Hospital and research institutes like VHIR and IMIM Research.com.
Fellowships:
UPF and partner hospitals host Marie Skłodowska Curie postdoc fellowships and pre doctoral PhD contracts with emphasis on translational neuroscience, oncology, and genomics. These programs are highly competitive and international in scope.
Eligibility & routes:
Post MIR residents can embed in clinical research teams; PhD candidates require master’s degree, high academic standing, and research proposal. English proficiency is required.
Strengths:
UPF excels in high impact medical research, and its graduates and fellows frequently move into international research roles or academic tracks.
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16. University of Alcalá
Ranked #16 in Spain (#246 Europe) i3a.unizar.esPMC, the University of Alcalá (UAH) connects with Hospital Universitario de Alcalá near Madrid. Its Doctoral School supports broad research training and public health fellowships edurank.org+6uah.es+6sph.cuny.edu+6.
Fellowship & Visiting Programs:
UAH has collaborated on international fellowships, such as semester placements from CUNY SPH via epidemiology and biostatistics programs hosted at Alcalá sph.cuny.edu+1. While medicine-specific fellowships are limited, UAH Doctoral contracts support health science research.
Eligibility:
PhD candidates in medicine need project proposals approved by Doctoral School. Visiting epidemiology or global health students often require partner institutional affiliation.
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17. University of Malaga
Ranked #17 in Spain (#268 Europe) edurank.org, Malaga’s medical faculty connects with Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, a MIR centre with strengths in oncology, surgery, and geriatrics.
Research & Fellowships:
Offers pre doctoral fellowships supported by regional Andalucia funds and ISCIII. Clinical research often involves participation in multicenter trials, especially in cancer and endocrine diseases.
Eligibility:
PhD applicants require a master’s and approved project; post doc funding typically via national research schemes.
Strengths:
Produces regional research in public health and endocrinology, with fellows advancing into Spanish or European academic roles.
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18. University of Cordoba
Ranked #18 in Spain (#271 Europe) edurank.org, Cordoba works with Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, MIR centre for specialties including nephrology, infectious diseases, and immunology.
Fellowship opportunities:
Predominantly research scholarships in health sciences funded through Andalucian government and ISCIII. Visiting placements for international researchers possible via EU mobility calls.
Eligibility & themes:
PhD entry requires master’s, project proposal, and competitive selection. Research themes include chronic kidney disease, immunology, and tropical medicine.
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19. Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV)
While primarily engineering focused, its medical research intersection shows via partnerships with Hospital La Fe for health tech and biomedical engineering projects. Ranked #19 in Spain for medicine (#277 Europe) edurank.org.
Fellowships & research grants:
UPV researchers participate in MSCA-funded health technology and biomedical engineering projects hosted at La Fe hospital. There are pre doc fellowships in health tech, wearable devices, and rehabilitation medicine.
Eligibility:
Primarily for engineering graduates with biomedical interest; not traditional clinical fellowships.
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20. Rovira i Virgili University — Tarragona
Ranked #20 in Spain (#279 Europe) edurank.org, URV collaborates with Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus and Vall d’Hebron, offering research in oncology, public health, and environmental health.
Fellowships:
Participates in EU funded MSCA and H2020 projects. Pre doctoral scholarships via national grants. Clinical research fellows may join translational oncology groups and public health research units.
Eligibility:
Master’s-level entry into doctoral programs; strong record encouraged.
21. University of Valladolid
Ranked #21 nationally for medicine and ~#299 in Europe edurank.orgscimagoir.com.
Overview & Hospital Affiliations: The historic University of Valladolid (founded 1346) collaborates with the Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, a core MIR training center offering specialties such as cardiology, neurosurgery, and hematology.
Fellowship Style & Research Programs:
• Offers pre-doctoral FPU/FPI contracts and ISCIII funded doctoral training in clinical epidemiology, oncology, and cardiovascular medicine.
• Post doctoral and MSCA applications possible through research groups in biomedicine.
• Visiting observerships are occasionally available via hospital international offices—but formal subspecialty programs remain rare.
Eligibility & Access:
• PhD candidates need a master’s degree, approved research proposal, and competitive selection via the Doctoral School.
• Postdocs must apply to national or EU calls; institutional support is often available.
Strengths & Outcomes: Known regionally for research output in epidemiology and internal medicine, graduates proceed to academic or healthcare research roles.
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22. University of Extremadura
Ranked #22 for medicine (~#309 in Europe) usnews.com+1.
Partnered with Hospital Universitario de Badajoz and Caceres, Extremadura offers internal medicine, public health, and infectious disease specialization.
Research/Fellowships:
• Regional pre doctoral scholarships for health sciences, plus ISCIII and EU grants for translational medicine and public health research.
• International candidates can access short-term research stays via EU mobility streams.
Eligibility:
• Requires standard Master + project proposal for PhD admission.
• Observership routes are informal and typically departmental.
Strengths: Focus on rural health, infectious diseases, and outcomes research. Graduates often serve within Spanish public health systems or pursue EU research opportunities.
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23. Technical University of Catalonia (UPC)
Ranked #23 nationally (~#311 Europe) predominantly in health technology and bioengineering rather than clinical medicine edurank.orgscimagoir.com.
Though lacking a traditional Faculty of Medicine, UPC works in partnership with Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau and Vall d’Hebron on biomedical engineering, digital health, and diagnostic innovation research.
Fellowships:
• MSCA and EU Horizon-funded pre- and post-doctoral fellowships in health tech.
• Institutional research projects attract international researchers in medical AI, imaging, and bioinstrumentation.
Eligibility:
• Typically geared toward biomedical engineers with MSc degrees and technical research proposals. Clinical exposure is indirect via hospital embedded research labs.
Strengths: UPC is strong in health-technology innovation; graduates often join startups, academic research, or translational labs.
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24. Miguel Hernández University of Elche
Ranked #24 nationally (~#316 Europe) Wikipedia+12edurank.org+12futuredoctor – Medizinstudium im Ausland+12.
Partners with Hospital General Universitario de Elche, offering MIR training in pediatrics, emergency medicine, and surgery.
Research & Fellowship Paths:
• Pre doctoral PhD scholarships via regional Valencian government and ISCIII, with focus areas including pediatric care, surgical outcomes, and epidemiology.
• Short-term clinical research placements sometimes available to external candidates through departmental connections.
Eligibility: Master’s degree and research proposal required; visiting observers must liaise directly with hospital departments.
Strengths: Emphasis on community healthcare, pediatrics, and clinical research in regional hospital networks.
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25. University of Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM)
Ranked #25 (~#320 Europe) edurank.orgscimagoir.com.
Principal MIR hospital: Hospital General Universitario de Ciudad Real, offering training in anesthesiology, oncology, and ICU medicine.
Fellowship style Options:
• PhD fellowships in occupational health, oncology, and internal medicine via FPU/FPI and regional calls.
• Postdoctoral and EU-backed fellow opportunities in translational clinical research.
Eligibility: Standard doctoral entry requirements; clinical observership arrangements depend on hospital approval.
Strengths: Applied clinical research in oncology and occupational epidemiology, supporting health-system interventions in Castilla La Mancha.
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26. University of Alicante
Ranked #26 (~#325 Europe) edurank.orgscimagoir.com.
Affiliated with Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, offering MIR across general surgery, internal medicine, and dermatology.
Research Programs:
• Offers pre doctoral scholarships in dermatology, public health, and chronic disease research via ISCIII/regional funding.
• Open to visiting researchers in clinical epidemiology or dermatological translational studies under EU mobility schemes.
Eligibility: Master’s degree, academic transcripts, and research plan. Access to visiting or observership placements is facilitated through individual research labs or hospital contacts.
Strengths: Dermatology and public health research are standout areas; outcomes include regional trials and peer-reviewed publications.
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27. University of Cantabria
Ranked #27 (~#326 Europe) edurank.orgscimagoir.com.
Connected to Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla (Santander), a prominent clinical site for MIR training in cardiology, oncology, and nephrology.
Fellowship & Research Training:
• Medium scale pre doctoral research scholarships supported by Cantabrian government and ISCIII.
• Post doctoral and EU grants in clinical research, particularly in cardiology and renal science groups.
Eligibility: Master’s or medical degree, proposal review by Doctoral School. Visiting or observer requests are handled through hospital international office.
Strengths: Clinical research in cardiology and nephrology; many alumni contribute to national multicenter trials or continue in academic medicine.
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28. Technical University of Madrid (UPM)
Ranked #28 (~#327 Europe) mainly in engineering-focused health research edurank.orgscimagoir.com.
Collaborates with Hospital Clínico San Carlos on biomedical engineering, diagnostics, and health data science.
Fellowships:
• Participates in MSCA/Horizon projects in digital health, imaging AI, and biotech.
• Pre- and post-doc contracts for engineering researchers intersecting with clinical partners.
Eligibility: Oriented to masters-level engineering backgrounds; limited formal clinical fellowships.
Strengths: Leading health-technology integration with clinical collaborators; ideal for non-clinicians in academic translational research.
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29. University of Vigo
Ranked #29 (~#334 Europe) edurank.orgscimagoir.com.
Paired with Hospital Clínico Universitario de Vigo, offering MIR training in surgery, internal medicine, and outpatient specialties.
Fellowship & Research Opportunities:
• Supports pre doctoral scholarships via Galician government and ISCIII in areas including tropical medicine, geriatrics, and translational oncology.
• Visiting researcher arrangements possible in academic units, especially for public health or infectious-disease research.
Eligibility: Standard master’s + project proposal; observership placements arranged locally.
Strengths: Research focus on tropical health, geriatrics, and oncology in coastal health systems; many fellows transition into European research consortia.
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30. University of La Laguna
Ranked #30 nationally (~#340 Europe) edurank.orgscimagoir.com.
Located in Tenerife, affiliated with Hospital Universitario de Canarias, offering MIR programs in respiratory medicine, infectious diseases, and general surgery.
Fellowship style Offerings:
• Pre doctoral and postdoc positions targeting tropical/respiratory medicine and public health through regional and national scholarships.
• EU-funded or departmental short-term collaborative research stays for external applicants.
Eligibility: Master’s degree and doctoral proposal required; visiting researcher inquiries go through hospital departments.
Strengths: Focuses on respiratory and infectious diseases in subtropical settings, with growing research in epidemiology and global health.