Doctors applying for specialized training positions in the medical residency program will make their selections exclusively through electronic means starting this year. The measure was confirmed by the Central Administration of the Health System (ACSS), which determined the end of the in-person format and the transition to a digital system similar to the one governing applications to public higher education in Portugal. The decision covers the 2026 entry competition and eliminates the requirement for physical attendance at ACSS facilities.
Until last year, clinicians were called in real time, on dates and times set according to the final ranking of the competition, which required the simultaneous in-person mobilization of hundreds of professionals and technical teams distributed across various points on the mainland and autonomous regions. With the new model taking effect, candidates will now submit their preferences directly on the computerized platform of the selection procedure, using a computer or mobile phone, regardless of whether they are in Portugal or abroad.
The digital module dedicated to the selection of specialties and destination hospitals was developed by the Shared Services of the Ministry of Health (SPMS), in close coordination with ACSS. Before its official launch, the electronic system underwent functional and technical testing batteries, with the direct involvement of representatives designated by the Medical Association, the National Council of Medical Residency, and the National Council of the Resident Physician.
The definitive map with the distribution of positions for the specialized training of doctors should be released in the first weeks of October. The early disclosure of these options aims to allow young doctors to consult in detail the training capacity of each specialty and hospital unit before filling out their electronic preference lists.
