Scientific research at the Industrial University of Santander continues to make its mark on the international stage. On this occasion, Jennifer Jullieth Zárate Velandia, an eighth-semester medical student, served as a co-author of the article “Demographic transitions and the slow realignment of medical specialization: a 25-year analysis of physician distribution across OECD and partner economies (2000–2024),” published on October 7, 2026, in the journal Human Resources for Health, published by Springer Nature.
The study analyzes the relationship between demographic changes and the distribution of medical specialists across 48 economies over a 25-year period. The study was conducted in collaboration with Professor José Moreno-Montoya (R.I.P.), formerly of the Department of Public Health at the UIS School of Medicine, and José Antonio de la Hoz Valle, head of the Subdirectorate of Clinical Studies and Clinical Epidemiology at the Santa Fe Foundation in Bogotá.
The study analyzed data from 48 economies of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and associated countries for the period 2000–2024, with the aim of examining how demographic changes relate to the distribution of physicians across different specialties.
Among the key findings, the study identified associations between declining fertility rates and a lower density of pediatricians, as well as between an aging population and a higher density of geriatricians. Furthermore, the results showed that the medical workforce may take several years to adapt to demographic changes.
These findings provide insights into the challenges faced by health systems in planning for human resources, especially in light of changes in population structure and healthcare needs. In this regard, the research highlights the importance of anticipating future demands for healthcare services and strengthening strategies for the training and distribution of specialists with a long-term perspective.
Publication in Human Resources for Health, a scientific journal specializing in human resources in health, provides an opportunity to highlight the research conducted with the participation of members of the UIS academic community and their contribution to international scientific discussions on public health and health planning.
A Legacy That Transcends Research
This article also serves as a tribute to the memory of Professor José Moreno-Montoya, who participated in the research and contributed to its development. His academic rigor, commitment to epidemiology, and dedication to public health remain part of his scientific legacy.
His contribution to this work reflects the value of academic collaboration and research processes that integrate teaching experience with the training of new professionals. Jennifer Jullieth Zárate Velandia’s participation in this publication also highlights the importance of involving medical students in projects that allow them to develop scientific skills and contribute to the generation of knowledge.
Those interested in reading the full article are invited to visit the following link: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12960-026-01096-6
