In this #MedUNAV blog entry, we will explain the main details of the Cambridge University Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT). This exam is a two-hour admissions test for students that want to study Medicine in some universities around the world, among them, the University of Navarra.

The reason why the University of Navarra decides to admit students through the BMAT exam is because we want our international candidates to have a more globalized test that is not only based in a Spanish curriculum, and also because of the advantage of taking it wherever they are. The BMAT exam can only be taken by students that completed their high school outside of Spain. 

The BMAT is divided into three sections that evaluate problem solving, critical thinking, the science and mathematical knowledge of the students and writing and communication skills. The BMAT exam is taken all over the world and each year you have different opportunities to take it. Throughout this academic year, there are two options:

• The 4th of November 2020.

• The 20th of February, 2021.

Everything you need to know about the BMAT test, you can find it on their website. For example, scoring and results, dates and costs, how to register and how to prepare. Nevertheless, the School of Medicine of the University of Navarra wants to help you be more prepared. 

* Please, bear in mind that this article does not intend to be a guarantee of good preparation for the BMAT.

• What are the three sections of the BMAT?

The BMAT is a 2-hour computer based test. It consists of 3 sections: 

Section 1: Aptitude and Skills (Multiple choice)

This section is designed to test problem-solving skills and understanding arguments. It is made up of 32 questions, with 60 minutes to complete.

Section 2: Scientific Knowledge and Applications (Multiple choice)

This section tests the ability to apply scientific knowledge. It is made up of 27 questions, with 30 minutes to complete. It includes Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.(More information)

Section 3: Writing Task

This section tests the ability to select, develop and organise ideas, and to communicate them in writing. Applicants must complete a writing essay in 30 minutes.

Remember: calculators and dictionaries cannot be used in the exam.

• Who can apply to MedUNAV by taking the BMAT exam? 

As we have mentioned, only students who are studying their high school outside of Spain can apply through this way. If your school is in Spain, you can apply to MedUNAV's online exam on April 24th, 2021.

• What is the score that I need to have in the BMAT to get into MedUNAV?

There is no pass or fail for the BMAT. You should simply aim for the best you can. Our candidates frequently ask us this question and we understand that it is difficult for you to not know if you passed or failed. The thing is, it depends on each year and their candidates. What we can tell you is that we focus more on Section 2 because it evaluates the scientific knowledge of the student. You also need to keep in mind that our way of evaluating a student is 30% GPA of penultimate year in high school and a 70% of the admissionexam. 

Remember: in the University of Navarra we will only accept the first BMAT score that you send to us. 

• Is the University of Navarra an Authorized Centre for taking the BMAT? 

Yes we are, but only in February, 2021. To register, you have to contact the Authorised Centre nearest to your location and ask the Exams Officer to register you and give you a candidate entry number. You will need to give your personal information and also the name of the university/ies and the degree/s that you want to send your score to. Remember that this process can be done through the BMAT website.

• What is the UCAS number and the course code?

The UCAS number is what students use only in the United Kingdom to apply to universities. You don't need an UCAS number for the University of Navarra. You will only need your Passport or ID number. We also receive questions from candidates asking us about the Course Code, this is only if you are applying to a university/universities in the United Kingdom.

If you have any questions or doubts you can always contact us and we will be happy to help you. To register for the BMAT you can go to their website. 

Clarisa Willson
International Admissions
Phone: +34 948 425 600 (Ext. 806539)
Email: cwillson@alumni.unav.es

The School of Medicine was founded in 1954, just two years after the birth of the University of Navarra. Throughout these more than 65 years of history, #MedUNAV has distinguished itself -among other things- for being faithful to and projecting its mission statement, vision and values in all areas related to its activity professor, training and healthcare.

Mission 

The School of Medicine has as mission statement to create and cultivate a university community, a point of meeting of students and professors, where: 

• Students acquire the most advanced medical knowledge, with a profound respect for the dignity of their patients from conception to natural death, and which enables their medical and scientific development with a mentality of service to the immediate society and the world. 

• Teachers can make an outstanding medical research and attendance contribution to their work professor, and can make a strong contribution to the medical, intellectual and human training of their students through theoretical teaching and internship, as well as through counselling staff. 

The School of Medicine is part of the University of Navarra, a Christian-inspired university directly promoted by Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer, founder of Opus Dei. In addition, a good part of the faculty of the School of Medicine carries out its healthcare activity in the Clínica Universidad de NavarraThe hospital centre directly promoted by #MedUNAV in 1958 and to which it has remained inseparably linked ever since.

Vision 

We aspire to configure a School of Medicine where students assume the leading role in their professional development and staff and are formed as leaders of the medical profession animated by the desire to serve society; where teachers are a reference letter professor , research and clinical that allows us to offer students an extraordinary medical training . 

A campus and an academic environment in which, through the training of Degree and postgraduate program, as well as the research and the medical internship , the School is a worldwide reference letter in the teaching of a medicine made by and for the patient. 

Values 

For its part, the activity and projects of the School of Medicine are based on solid and well-defined values, common to the entire University of Navarra. #MedUNAV wishes to share and project these values in the spirit and hope of thus contributing to the enrichment and development of the medical profession and society as a whole. 

These features include the following:

work. The work is a manifestation of the dignity of the person, a factor in development of the personality, a bond of union between human beings and a driving force for progress. This conception of work entails, among other consequences, the aspiration for excellence in the performance of tasks and attention to detail.

Freedom. The University is a place of coexistence, study and friendship, open to people from all walks of life, without discrimination as to religion, race, ideology, nationality, sex, etc. The University feels called to collaborate in the resolution of the problems that arise in society and, without leading directly to political action or to tasks that are proper to other institutions, it educates in the critical capacity that allows each person to freely form their own opinions and convictions, in a climate of pluralism. The love of freedom and responsibility is a basic principle of academic and professional life, of research work, of medical or care work. Those who carry out governmental tasks at the University perform them in accordance with the principles of collegiality and participation.

Respect. The university facilitates students' acquisition of knowledge and also the development of attitudes such as respect for others, the ability to listen, correctness in the way they behave, civic spirit and care for nature. All these habits help prepare students for professional practice and foster a sense of social responsibility among members of the academic community. Respect for privacy is part of the commitment of those who work in the academic corporation.

multidisciplinarity. The university's mission statement -seeking and transmitting the truth- is a collective task that requires dialogue between specialists from different scientific areas. With this approach, the diversity of the sciences constitutes a factor of mutual enrichment, provides an overview and financial aid to overcome the excessive fragmentation of knowledge.

Responsibility. A sense of responsibility at work is one of the attitudes that must characterise professionals at the University of Navarra, and which we try to transmit to students as part of the project educational . It takes the form of a sober style in the use of resources and in the care of the facilities.

Service. In accordance with the wishes of its founder, the University of Navarra has, from the very beginning, had an explicit purpose of service, and aspires to contribute to the material and moral improvement of society. This characteristic invites it to be aware of and respond to social problems and needs in fields related to its activity professor and research: attendance medical and health, programs of study of current issues, university cooperation and many other social promotion initiatives. Solidarity and volunteer activities is a fundamental part of the university spirit. The University encourages members of the academic community to participate in concrete initiatives of service to those most in need.

international outreach. The University of Navarra's model educational encourages interest in other cultures and the enrichment of the international experience of students, professors, researchers, healthcare personnel and other professionals.

My name is Boaz Miller, I am from Denver (USA) and with this post I want to share my experience about why I decided to come to come to study Medicine at the University of Navarra.

The University of Navarra brings many resources together to allow medical students to learn in a great environment. Located in a relatively small northern Spanish town where you'll find a college student everywhere you walk. The University is home to many wonderful professors that offer help in any way that they can. In the International Medical Program, classes are relatively small and the professors can really take time to answer all of the questions that arise throughout the week.

I first chose this university by superficially looking at the ranking and the prevalence of an international program for Medicine, but that was a mistake. Though, medically the university ranks well and the location is nice the University of Navarra holds far more important aspects. I have come to learn that I had made the best choice of university; from students to teachers everyone is here to learn and take extra steps to achieve their degree, and to help you and others to focus on your work and fully understand all topics. Overall, the professors want each student to succeed and give their extra to help where they can, I could not think of a better aspect of a university.

I got my admission in the School of Medicine through the BMAT Exam. Regarding the BMAT Exam, I strongly suggest self study for at least 3 months prior, practice exams and learning time management are a must because of the 1 minute per question limit. The BMAT is a widely used test so I was able to find many practice tests and past exams that gave good understanding of what it was like on test day, though it is never really like the real thing is it? Test day was a big moment, but the one thing I went into the room with was to answer every question no mater a guess or legitimate answer. Because if you guess B, C, or D you have roughly an 80% chance of getting the question correct, it helps a lot to know this when it comes down to the time constraint.

The BMAT and the traveling was all big experience as I'm sure it would be for anyone. But after all the studying and the chaos, Pamplona is a lovely place with good people and friends to ease the entry into Medical School. Studying has become my life but I've found ways to enjoy it, and ways to remember things faster. Just focus on getting here first and the rest will fall into place, especially with the help of the international guides and the faculty.

In order to select the best students, the University of Navarra's Medical School School established its own admissions process from the very beginning. This has evolved over the decades, adapting to the new educational and academic situations faced by candidates all over the world.

In this entrance of the #MedUNAV Blog we are going to explain you how to apply for the admission to the School of Medicine of the University of Navarra for the academic year 2021/2022.  

The first thing we would like you to know is our profile access:

Spanish or foreign students, preferably with a university degree or equivalent recently completed, with the ability to work, a stable character, enthusiasm and initiative, with the capacity for compassion and solidarity. high school diploma or equivalent recently completed, with a capacity for work, of a stable nature, with enthusiasm and initiative, with a capacity for compassion and solidarity. They must hold a degree in high school diploma (preferably Biosanitary) or the equivalent. They must also have passed the official university entrance exams (EvAU/EBAU) when required by current Spanish legislation.

Once you have decided to start the process, you will need to follow these five steps:

1. Prepare your First Year notes high school diploma

For apply for admission to #MedUNAV it is essential that all candidates have a grade equal to or higher than 7 (out of 10) in 1st year of high school diploma (or equivalent).

Don't worry if you are studying in a system other than Spanish educational , as the Central Admissions Service of the University of Navarra will take care of the equivalence of your grades. 

2. Register at Portal miUNAV!

The entire admission process is carried out through Portal miUNAV. On this platform you can apply for information and admission, you will know if you have been admitted and, if necessary, you can fill in the process of enrollment in the first year. You will also have information on scholarships, grants and accommodationand all the activities that the School of Medicine or the University of Navarra carry out throughout the year.

3. Identify what your profile intake is

In #MedUNAV we differentiate between three entry profiles:

• National Students: national students are considered to be those students who are taking their 2nd year of studies (or equivalent) in an academic centre based in Spain, regardless of their nationality. high school diploma (or equivalent) in an academic centre based in Spain, regardless of their nationality.

• International Students: international students are considered to be those candidates who are studying their 2nd year (or equivalent) at an academic centre based outside Spain, irrespective of their nationality. high school diploma (or equivalent) at an academic centre outside Spain, regardless of their nationality.

• International Baccalaureate (IB): Students (national and international) taking the International Baccalaureate (IB) can apply to the School of Medicine of the University of Navarra through the final grade obtained in the diploma, as long as the requirements established by #MedUNAV are accredited.

4. Apply for admission a #MedUNAV

The first thing you must do is fill in the Application for Admission. To do this, you must attach the following documents to Portal miUNAV:

- Qualifications of 1st year of high school diplomaor equivalent. 

- Copy of National Identity Card, NIE (Foreign Resident Identification Number, Spain) or Passport.

- Passport-size photograph.

- Proof of payment of 100 euros processing fee (non-refundable).

5. enquiry what does the admission process consist of?

Once you have completed the application form, you should know that the admission process to School of Medicine at the University of Navarra is different depending on the profile of access:

If you are a student from profile nationalyou must take the #MedUNAV entrance exam. The academic test has a value of 70% and the grades of the 1st year of high school diploma (or equivalent) 30% of the final admission grade . You can see the most relevant information in the following video:

International students can choose between taking the BMAT or the #MedUNAV Admission Test. In either case, they may only apply via one of these routes.

Finally, if you are studying the International Baccalaureate (IB) you can choose to apply through this route. In the following video you will learn about the requirements access requirements.

All students who meet the requirements of two or more admission profiles should note that, during an academic year, they can only apply from one profile.

You can find more information on the website. There you will also find sessions and activities that are held throughout the academic year and in which the academic and formative proposal of #MedUNAV will be explained.

In addition, for any doubts that may arise throughout the process, you can count on the Admissions Team at School and on the network of national and international delegates of the University of Navarra.

We're here to help in any way we can!

The School of Medicine was founded in 1954, just two years after the birth of the University of Navarra. Throughout these more than 65 years of history, #MedUNAV has distinguished itself -among other things- for being faithful to and projecting its mission statement, vision and values in all areas related to its activity professor, training and healthcare.

Mission 

The School of Medicine has as mission statement to create and cultivate a university community, a point of meeting of students and professors, where: 

• Students acquire the most advanced medical knowledge, with a profound respect for the dignity of their patients from conception to natural death, and which enables their medical and scientific development with a mentality of service to the immediate society and the world. 

• Teachers can make an outstanding medical research and attendance contribution to their work professor, and can make a strong contribution to the medical, intellectual and human training of their students through theoretical teaching and internship, as well as through counselling staff. 

The School of Medicine is part of the University of Navarra, a Christian-inspired university directly promoted by Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer, founder of Opus Dei. In addition, a good part of the faculty of the School of Medicine carries out its healthcare activity in the Clínica Universidad de NavarraThe hospital centre directly promoted by #MedUNAV in 1958 and to which it has remained inseparably linked ever since.

Vision 

We aspire to configure a School of Medicine where students assume the leading role in their professional development and staff and are formed as leaders of the medical profession animated by the desire to serve society; where teachers are a reference letter professor , research and clinical that allows us to offer students an extraordinary medical training . 

A campus and an academic environment in which, through the training of Degree and postgraduate program, as well as the research and the medical internship , the School is a worldwide reference letter in the teaching of a medicine made by and for the patient. 

Values 

For its part, the activity and projects of the School of Medicine are based on solid and well-defined values, common to the entire University of Navarra. #MedUNAV wishes to share and project these values in the spirit and hope of thus contributing to the enrichment and development of the medical profession and society as a whole. 

These features include the following:

work. The work is a manifestation of the dignity of the person, a factor in development of the personality, a bond of union between human beings and a driving force for progress. One of the consequences of this conception of work is the aspiration for excellence in the performance of tasks and attention to detail.

Freedom. The University is a place of coexistence, study and friendship, open to people from all walks of life, without discrimination as to religion, race, ideology, nationality, sex, etc. The University feels called to collaborate in the resolution of the problems that arise in society and, without leading directly to political action or to tasks that are proper to other institutions, it educates in the critical capacity that allows each person to freely form their own opinions and convictions, in a climate of pluralism. The love of freedom and responsibility is a basic principle of academic and professional life, of research work, of medical or care work. Those who carry out governmental tasks at the University perform them in accordance with the principles of collegiality and participation.

Respect. The university facilitates students' acquisition of knowledge and also the development of attitudes such as respect for others, the ability to listen, correctness in the way they behave, civic spirit and care for nature. All these habits help prepare students for professional practice and foster a sense of social responsibility among members of the academic community. Respect for privacy is part of the commitment of those who work in the academic corporation.

multidisciplinarity. The university's mission statement -seeking and transmitting the truth- is a collective task that requires dialogue between specialists from different scientific areas. With this approach, the diversity of the sciences constitutes a factor of mutual enrichment, provides an overview and financial aid to overcome the excessive fragmentation of knowledge.

Responsibility. The sense of responsibility at work is one of the attitudes that must characterise professionals at the University of Navarra, and which we try to transmit to students as part of project educational . It takes the form of a sober style in the employment of resources and in the care of the facilities.

Service. In accordance with the wishes of its founder, the University of Navarra has, from the very beginning, had an explicit purpose of service, and aspires to contribute to the material and moral improvement of society. This characteristic invites it to be aware of and respond to social problems and needs in fields related to its activity professor and research: attendance medical and health, programs of study of current issues, university cooperation and many other social promotion initiatives. The solidarity and volunteer activities is a fundamental part of the university spirit. The University encourages members of the academic community to participate in concrete initiatives of service to those most in need.

international outreach. The University of Navarra's model educational encourages interest in other cultures and the enrichment of the international experience of students, professors, researchers, staff in the health field and other professionals.

What happens is important, but also where. The spaces where we work, study, or disconnect are an essential aspect of our lives. And the University doesn't escape these "rules."

The School of Medicine's headquarters is located at the University of Navarra's Campus in Pamplona; Fully connected to the city, it covers 113 hectares, of which buildings occupy only 7.5%. Green - UNAV is the second Spanish institution and the first university center in the country to be awarded the Green Flag Award, international recognition for the integral management of green spaces.

A total of 4,190 trees from 173 species frame the buildings on Campus, which include the Biomedical Campus, where the Hexagon is located and hosts the Medical School, classrooms, facilities such as laboratories, and the Simulation Center. Medical students share the corridors and halls of the Hexagon with students from the schools of Nursing, Science, and Pharmacy and Nutrition.

Next to the Biomedical Campus, we also find the Science Library and the Los Castaños building, which hold other teaching spaces such as the Biochemistry laboratory and the anatomy dissection room, as well as different research facilities.

Nearby, the Clínica Universidad de Navarra and the Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) complete the activity of the health science area. The proximity of the Clínic and CIMA means that the professionals who complete patient care and research, make a short walk to the Medical School building to teach classes. Also, the Hospital Complex of Navarra, where medical students carry out part of their internships and practices, is only a few meters away.

Within a short walk from the Biomedical Campus, you will arrive at the University's center and can visit the School of Humanities, Social Sciences, the School of Architecture, The Ismael Sánchez Bella Library, Sports Center, and the Central Building, which houses the central services and some classrooms. The University of Navarra Museum is only a few steps away and it is a cultural core for the Campus and focus of activity for the city and student housing attached to the University.

Through this virtual tour, you can travel from your home and visit the Campus of the University of Navarra in Pamplona, and facilities in Madrid - comprised of the graduate building, or also known as "Alumni Building" which is located next to the headquarters of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra in Madrid.

We look forward to personally welcoming you to Pamplona. All you need to do is arrange a personal visit.

Until then, we invite you to walk around the Campus from home!

What happens is important, but also where. The spaces where we work, study or disconnect are an important aspect of our lives. And the university does not escape these "norms".

The School of Medicine is headquartered at campus de Pamplona of the University of Navarra. Fully connected to the cityIt covers 113 hectares, of which only 7.5% is occupied by buildings. The rest? Green. In fact, the UNAV is Spain's second largest institution and first university centre in the country to be awarded the Green Flag Awardaward , which is internationally recognised for the management integral of its green areas.

A total of 4,190 trees of 173 species frame the buildings. On the one hand, the campus Biosanitarywhere the Hexagon Building is located: teaching of the School de Medicina, in its classrooms and in facilities such as the Simulation Centre and different laboratories. Medical students share the corridors and rooms of the Hexagon with Nursing, Science, Pharmacy and Nutrition students.

On this side of campus we also find the Science Library and the Los Castaños building, with other teaching spaces such as laboratory of Biochemistry or the conference room of dissection of Anatomy, as well as various research sites.

Next to it, the Clinica Universidad de Navarra and the Centre for Applied Medical Research (CIMA) complete the activity of the Biosanitary area. This proximity means that the professionals who carry out their healthcare and research work in both centres can go to give their classes just by crossing a zebra crossing. Furthermore, the Navarra Hospital Complex, where medical students carry out part of their practical training and internships, is just a few metres away.

A short walk away are the Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as the School of Architecture; the Library Services Ismael Sanchez Bella; the Central Building, which houses the central services and some classrooms; also the Sports Center; the University of Navarra MuseumThe cultural core of campus and a focus of activity for the city; and most of the senior schools attached to the University.

Through this virtual tourYou can visit these spaces at campus of the University of Navarra in Pamplona from home. Also the MadridThe building at postgraduate program. Known as the Alumni building, it is located next to the sede of the Clinica Universidad de Navarra in Madrid.

We look forward to welcoming you soon in Pamplona and greeting you personally. To do so, all you need to do is to arrange a visit staff.

Until then, we invite you to take a walk through campus from home!

Hello!

I'm José Olmedilla, I'm from Madrid and next year I'll start my fifth year of Medicine + International Program.

As a student at School of Medicine at the University of Navarra, I have been asked to describe the day-to-day life of the students during this period of pandemic and confinement, from the suspension of face-to-face classes (how far away March 13 is now!) until May 18, the date of the last exam of the ordinary exams.

First of all, I would like to start by thanking the entire School de Medicina, from the students to the Dean, Dr. Secundino Fernández; but especially the members of the administrative office and Dr. José Hermida, Associate Dean de Alumnos, who from the very beginning thought of us, the students, so that we would not miss a single day of class and that everything would go according to plan despite the difficult circumstances.

On 12 March we received an email informing us of the suspension of face-to-face classes and a day later we were notified that teaching would continue via the ZOOM platform. In addition, they confirmed that the class schedules would be maintained: if on Tuesdays at 4pm there was Gynaecology, on Tuesdays at 4pm there would continue to be Gynaecology classes, and so on with the rest of the subjects.

In these early stages of the confinement, the students asked that the classes be recorded and that the videos be uploaded to the ADI Virtualclassroom for later viewing in the event of not being able to attend to class live, and this was done.

I would also like to highlight the admirable availability of the teachers and their commitment to us. I say this because the vast majority of them are doctors and we cannot imagine how much effort it has taken for them to combine clinical care with preparing and teaching the classes.

As the exams approached - which we medical students see approaching at the end of March - some of us were asked to collaborate in choosing the ideal platform for the exams. I remember that on 25 March Dr. Hermida sent us an e-mail with this request, barely 10 days after the suspension of classes, and more than a month before the start of the exams. I would like to emphasise this fact, because it was the students themselves who expressed our needs and who chose the best method to be evaluated at the request of the School... We did not even have to ask for it. This is the subject of initiatives that make the School of Medicine at the University of Navarra the best in the world, and I say this with total conviction and certainty.

degree program Within 15 days of the first final examination we already had a platform (Proctorio) that had all the guarantees to avoid fraud and did not create any obstacles for the students when it came to taking their exams. In addition, we were all able to take a test beforehand to familiarise ourselves with the new system.

So when the exams came around, we knew exactly how to proceed; few problems were encountered and those that were, were resolved quickly. We all witnessed how, 15 minutes before each exam, there was a ZOOM session open with staff from administrative office to solve any problems at the start and how, during the exam itself, there were up to four telephone lines available so that any problems could be reported quickly and solved on the spot. These facts are sample of the levels of submission, commitment and professionalism that we have at MedUNAV.

I will leave many things in the "digital inkwell" from which I write, such as individual cases that I cannot vouch for, or facts that I simply forget, but I believe that what I have said sample is faithful to what we have experienced.

I would like to conclude as I began, with my thanks to all the members of the School de Medicina, who have carried out an unbeatable work , with no room for uncertainty or chaos and counting on the students for everything.

Hello to all of you! 

I introduce myself: I'm Carmen Garau, I'm from Palma and I've just finished sixth form. The truth is that, after so many years studying, you imagine a thousand times how it will be the day you finally graduate, your last class, your last exams in the classroom 4A02... Of course, you never expect something like this, and although it has been a different ending due to the incidence of the Coronavirus, it has also been very special.  

First of all, I would like to emphasise that we have not lost a single class, and I know that the School of Medicine and the University of Navarra as a whole have worked very hard to make this possible. Few students from other universities have been as lucky as us.

At the beginning of the confinement we were all hesitant, as few people knew about the platforms we used (such as Zoom, Panopto or Proctorio). In addition, exam time was approaching and we had to combine the more intensive study schedule with the classes. Many of us returned home and also had to integrate into family life again.

Initially, the classes were given live by Zoom: the teacher would send us the link to classroom by email a few minutes before and then class was given. issue I think that this form of teaching is very useful if there is a small number of students, as it allows you to have a direct contact with the teacher and you can ask questions during the class. There are about 190 of us in class and it was difficult for everyone to connect at the same time; in the end the classes became long and overlapped with the next one, as well as making it difficult to follow the slides.

As a result of this experience, within a few days most of the teachers switched to using Panopto or Power Point with audio and uploaded them to the ADI Virtualclassroom on the normal schedule of their class. I think this system is much more convenient for everyone: for the teachers it allows them to record the classes, adapt to the timetable, correct mistakes or avoid technical errors in the live broadcast; and for us it allowed us to organise our studies much better, change the speed of the classes, and be able to see the slides at the same time, among other things.

In addition, something that I have commented with my colleagues is that, as the classes were recorded, it was very easy to go back and watch any part of the class if you had any doubts during the study of topic. I would like to highlight the Oncology classes given by Dr. Leire Arbea, and the Paediatrics classes given by Dr. Rocío Sánchez Carpintero.

When classes finished, between the tough socio-sanitary situation caused by Covid-19 and the e-mails announcing that we would be left without the long-awaited end of the degree course (no pasaclases, no paellada, no graduation and no end-of-course trip Degree), it was time to start studying. I have to say that I personally have not experienced a complicated situation at home, as we have all been fine, but there have been colleagues who have lost loved ones without being able to say goodbye to them, or families with enormous economic difficulties. I can imagine how difficult it must have been for them to study and take their exams. For this reason, they sent us an email from the University of Navarra to find out about each personal situation and to make themselves available to us.

The exams were another of those unknowns, although after the initial scare we got used to the new online format with Proctorio. But it was not only the students who were affected, the teachers had to change the evaluation criteria, and many were in the hospital working and dealing with the consequences of this pandemic.

For all this I would like to thank again the School of Medicine of the University of Navarra and in particular the secretaries, who have been attentive during all the exams, and professors, now colleagues, who have made it possible for us to finish in the best possible way.

Dr. Nuria Lacuey (MED'07) is currently working at the department de Epilepsia de University Hospitals in Cleveland. After finishing his studies in Medicine in the University of Navarra In 2007, Nuria Lacuey applied for the spanish medical residency program and did the residency program in Neurology at the Vall d'Hebron Hospital in Barcelona.

With a deep clinical and research vocation towards one of the most prominent diseases of the nervous system, epilepsy, he did not hesitate to work hard until he was able to develop his career in this field in the United States.

Why did you decide to study medicine?

What motivated me to study medicine was my passion for science, so I decided to follow in my sister's footsteps. This career allowed (and allows) me to enjoy my passion in the deepest and most human sense, that of helping others. 

After graduating and working for some time in Spain, you decided to work abroad. Do you think that the University of Navarra prepared you for this challenge?

The University of Navarra gave me the opportunity to meet people from many parts of Spain and even from other countries. Some of my professors had trained in international hospitals and shared their experiences. In addition, the UNAV allowed us to train for a year in another European country. I think that, in a way, this kept my mind more open, with more options for the future. 

What has been your professional career?

Since I was a second year resident I have had a special interest in epilepsy and research, so when I finished residency program, I decided to take the exams to access the US system and do the subspecialty in "Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology".

What is your day-to-day life like nowadays?

work at department Epilepsy at University Hospitals of Cleveland where we evaluate patients who have seizures and assess the possibility of surgical treatment to cure them. Much of my time is spent in research, using brain stimulation techniques for the treatment of epilepsy and other diseases. This specialization program requires an exact knowledge and understanding of the brain. It is an open field, where much remains to be done.

What do you think the University of Navarra contributed to your professional training?

The University of Navarra has been a great support. Professors, advisors and clinical tutors were always close to me, even when I finished my degree. In addition to a good medical education, the University of Navarra provided me with ethical values that have been essential throughout my professional career.