Pathology exposure in Spanish medical schools: a review of forty-one institutions with insights into pathology curriculum for an international approach.

Pathology plays a vital role in connecting basic science with clinical medicine, yet it remains a lesser-emphasized specialty in Spanish medical education. This study researched all 41 accredited medical schools in Spain to assess how students are exposed to pathology. Findings revealed considerable variability in the presence and structure of pathology education. Only 41.5 % of the institutions had dedicated pathology departments, though nearly all included histology or anatomic pathology with an average instruction span of one academic year each. Public medical schools generally offered more exposure to pathology than private ones. However, elective opportunities focused on pathology were scarce, and only a small proportion of institutions provided international experiences in the United States. These limitations in exposure, elective options, and global collaboration may contribute to the specialty's low ranking among students selecting residency training programs in Spain. The results highlight the need for greater standardization across curricula and suggest that expanding elective courses, integrating digital pathology tools, and fostering international partnerships could significantly enhance student engagement and interest in pursuing pathology as a career.