[Present and future of the formation MIR of Endocrinology and Nutrition].

The latest assessment of the Spanish resident in training (Médicos Internos Residentes, MIR) program in Endocrinology and Nutrition has just been published.1,2 This evaluation of the training program, which since 1997 has been conducted on a regular basis, must be considered very positive, given the importance of training for the development of the specialty.1,3 This current assessment is particularly significant, because it analyzes the development of the latest official training program in the specialty which was proposed by the Spanish National Commission of Endocrinology and Nutrition in 2006.4 Examination of the results obtained from the survey allows us to draw highly significant conclusions. As regards external clinical training rotations, their obligatory nature appears to be questioned, and it is suggested that they should be established on a voluntary basis. Some characteristics of the specialty of Endocrinology and Nutrition would appear to support this approach. The obligation to undergo clinical rotations in specialties unrelated to Endocrinology would be limited or abolished, as would rotations in specialties such as Internal Medicine, or non-educational rotation periods in Primary Care or District Hospitals, which are not particularly popular. The limited rotations in certain specialties with activities related to areas in Endocrinology can be explained by the lack of prevalence of a philosophy placing emphasis on subspecialized knowledge, the acquisition of which could be regarded as positive for the future development of Endocrinology. A greater elasticity in the training program and the promotion of subspecialists would