URJC, SER and AstraZeneca sign a unique training program in Spain

Javier Martínez Tubío

The King Juan Carlos University, the Spanish Society of Rheumatology y AstraZeneca They have officially signed the agreement to launch a new edition of the SER Master in Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, a unique degree that does not exist in any other university and that marks a turning point in specialized medical training in Spain.

This innovative program was created with a clear objective: to respond to the enormous scientific advances in the diagnosis and treatment of systemic autoimmune diseases, which have been transforming the prognosis and quality of life for thousands of patients in recent years. In this context, rheumatology specialists are establishing themselves as the undisputed leading professionals in the comprehensive management of these conditions.

A strategic alliance to transform medical training

The creation of this master's program represents an exemplary model of collaboration between academia, the scientific community, and the biomedical industry. This cooperation allows for the direct transfer of the latest scientific advances to the training of specialists, accelerating the application of knowledge in real-world clinical practice.

Abraham Duarte, rector of URJC, highlighted the importance of the master's program: “It's a way to provide opportunities for all rheumatology experts who, in some way, want to later join the University's services, so they can work in hospitals and contribute to improving people's lives. These types of initiatives have the support of the University and can be renewed over the coming years, in order to continue offering support.”

For his part, Marcos Paulino, president of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology, emphasizes the central role of the specialty in these diseases: “Rheumatologists are the key specialists in the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of systemic autoimmune diseases. This master's program represents a historic step toward guaranteeing structured, rigorous training adapted to the advances that are redefining the management of these pathologies, which will have a direct impact on improving patient care.”

Along the same lines, Carolina Masaveu, Director of the Respiratory and Immunology Department at AstraZeneca Spain, emphasizes the importance of this partnership: "At AstraZeneca, we are convinced that collaboration between industry, academia, and scientific societies is the driving force behind innovation. This master's program not only raises the level of specialization of our professionals but also ensures that the latest advances in precision medicine reach those who need them most—patients—sooner. Our commitment is to continue promoting training that transforms the approach to autoimmune diseases to truly improve people's quality of life."

A unique title at a key moment for medicine

Systemic autoimmune diseases are undergoing a true revolution in their management, thanks to the development of new targeted therapies, advances in early diagnosis, and a better understanding of immunological mechanisms.

This master's degree will train specialists with a comprehensive, up-to-date and highly specialized vision, consolidating the leadership of Rheumatology in this field.

The signing of this agreement represents, in short, a milestone in medical training in Spain and an example of the real impact that can be achieved when university, science and industry work together with a common goal: to improve people's lives through knowledge and innovation.