1. The Spanish Universities’ process of adaptation to the European Space of Higher Education has meant a revision of the study plans in Medicine in all the University Schools with respect to clinical training. A recent survey commissioned by the Regional Ministry of Health and carried out by the Spanish National Research Council has provided qualitative data on the expectations and rate of satisfaction of medical students with respect to practical training received in public healthcare centres An in-depth renovation of teaching methodologies and a substantial modification in the formation process rising from the inclusion of a complete course of clinical rotation in the study plan. Since the Spanish University Schools of Medicine do not have their own medical centres for the practice of clinical training in the medical professions, the legal framework anticipates the formation of alliances between the university schools and the health system . On the other hand, the Andalusian Ministry of Health has insisted on the incorporation of contents on medical ethics , medical management , public health, communication and reporting abilities, health economics, and the efficient use of resources like materials and health . Teaching abilities training and evaluation methodologies for Health System professionals involved in practical clinical training practice of medical students has been raised. A new collaboration agreement has been forged between the public health system and universities to improve students’ clinical training. To this end 1. INTRODUCTION TAKE HOME MESSAGE It is well worth making the effort to provide quality clinical training AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE. NEEDS OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM AND NEW STUDY PLANS IN THE SPANISH UNIVERSITY SCHOOLS OF MEDICINE Romanos, A*, Campos-García, T. Cortes-Martínez, C. Regional Ministry of Health, Government of Andalusia, Sevilla, Spain please mail enquiries to: universidad.csalud@juntadeandalucia.es ANDALUSIA 1.500 Primary care health centres 44 Hospitals 88.310 health professionals € 9,518.91 m health budget BOLOGNA PROCESS REFORM OF MEDICAL DEGREE STUDY PLANS 2009-2010 ONE WHOLE YEAR OF CLINICAL ROTATIONS WORK GROUPS REGIONAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH AT FACULTY OF MEDICINE 2. OBJECTIVES OF THE WORK 3. WHAT WAS DONE efficient use of health resources clinical management gender and health healthcare economy teamwork and multidisciplinary approach the social dimension of medicine knowledge of the Public Health System quality strategies Likewise, the public health system, bearing in mind that it will be employing over eighty percent of the newly graduated doctors, has urged the universities to include in their study plans the key skills needed by new doctors entering the healthcare system. In this regard particular emphasis has been laid on the following skills: SKILLS-BASED STUDY PLAN (i) the entire healthcare network has been made available for clinical training (ii) emphasis has been made on training in primary care centres (iii) the post of clinical tutor has been created so that all healthcare professionals can act as clinical teachers for the students (iv) proposals have been made to train the health system professionals involved in practical clinical training of undergraduate doctors in teaching skills and assessment methodologies The aim of all this is to improve the quality of clinical training in healthcare centres and provide students with the best possible learning environment Emphasis has also been made on the need to use innovative teaching methods and apply simulation techniques in practical training .