For the second year in a row, a graduate of the School of Sciences of the University of Navarra has obtained the issue one in the examination for Resident Internal Biologist (biochemistry residency program). This is Estíbaliz Erviti Machain from Navarre, who graduated from Biochemistry in 2000 and then did the doctorate in the department of Histology and Anatomy Pathology of the academic center. Likewise, three other graduates have obtained one of the 49 places for which 749 candidates from all over Spain applied. María Lasa , from Calagur, obtained the position issue 3, Maialen Palomino, from Navarra, 6, and Itziar Benito, from Madrid, 45.

For Estíbaliz Erviti, obtaining the issue 1 has been "a real surprise" that has crowned her bet staff to resume these competitions after 13 years of work in a business where she was manager product: "When I finished the thesis doctoral I did not want to do a postdoc outside. At the same time, I was offered a work in a business Navarra and I decided to stay. Over time, the work became routine and I needed a change. Then a young colleague came to business and told me about biochemistry residency program. I was encouraged, I left my work in April and after San Fermín I began to prepare thoroughly for the exam," she says.

With three young daughters - the youngest is 5 years old - Estíbaliz opted to study at home during the week and attend classes at the BIRFIR Plus academy on Saturday mornings. "I didn't know this option existed and, in fact, it was my only possibility with small children," she stresses. "Another topic that I find core topic to get good results is to be very motivated, as the preparation can be very hard. It involves a lot work for a few months and full dedication every day of the week except Sunday, which was the only day I rested."

Estíbaliz is also clear about the specialization program she will choose: "Clinical Analysis Microbiology is what I like the most. There are vacancies in hospitals in Navarre, Guipuzcoa and Alava, which is my radius of action because it is no more than an hour's drive to get there and back every day", she concludes.

Enthusiasm and family support: keys to success

María Lasa -graduated in Chemistry and Biochemistry by the University of Navarra and award extraordinary Chemistry 2018- was quite clear that she wanted to take the exam because it was the way to access the laboratory hospital: "The branch that interests me most is Immunology, although I am not sure if I will do it in Navarra or further away", she clarifies. María also began to prepare for the exam in mid-July: "The core topic to get a good result is that you like what you do, that you rely on your family and friends, that you set yourself a demanding schedule of work and try to fulfill it".

Maialen Palomino -born in Pamplona and graduated in Biology in 2018- previously studied a FP of laboratory technician. "When I finished the Degree in June my advisor, the teacher Raquel Conde, encouraged me to apply because I was not very clear about what I wanted to do. I also liked the research , but it is true that the best time to take the competitive exams could be right after finishing the degree program". "Now I don't know which specialization program I will choose. I like both Immunology and Microbiology, and even more Genetics, but it doesn't exist as its own specialization program ," she adds. For Maialen, the seven months of preparation for the exam were harder than she thought: "Mentally it's very hard. We didn't even stop at Christmas, only on Sundays. It was worth it, though," she finishes.

Itziar Benito -issue 45 and a native of Madrid - also graduated in 2018 at Biochemistry and although she was thinking of doing a Master's Degree, at an informative meeting on biochemistry residency program at the University she decided to give it a try: "I started in September and until November I gave classes every afternoon. Then I went over all the topics on my own". Although in her case it will be more difficult to opt for the place she is interested in, Itziar hopes that one of Biochemistry Clinical will become free. "I have a lot to think about, because I didn't even expect to get place!", she relates.