Tartu University reaches record 891 medical residents

A record 891 doctors are now studying in specialist medical training at the University of Tartu, ERR reported. The university admitted 187 new physician-residents this autumn.

Interest and competition have increased in recent years in critical specialties, including family medicine and emergency medicine. This year, 78 percent of students who completed the university’s basic medical studies applied for specialist training.

A total of 318 applications were submitted for residency places, considerably more than previously. Family medicine received the most applications, while oral and maxillofacial surgery had the toughest competition, with nine applicants for each place.

Dermatovenerology, paediatric surgery and otorhinolaryngology, or ear, nose and throat medicine, were also highly competitive.

Forty-six residents began studying family medicine this year, the highest number ever recorded in the specialty.

The University of Tartu is also developing its training programmes. It is launching a mentoring system to support residents and developing a digital e-portfolio learning environment.