Shortage of facilities continues to plague UI’s Faculty of Medicine

The University of Iceland is facing a critical shortage of lecture halls and practical teaching facilities, which has negatively impacted the Faculty of Medicine, according to a new article published in Læknablaðið.

The article, which discusses Iceland’s ongoing doctor shortage, features insights from Þórarinn Guðjónsson, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, and Þórdís Jóna Hrafnkelsdóttir, Director of Teaching at the faculty.

More students, but no additional funding

In 2019, the number of medical students increased from 48 to 60, yet no additional funding was provided to hire new teachers. As the larger class progressed to later years of study, the strain on faculty and resources became even more apparent, particularly in clinical training.

“During the clinical years (years 4-6), significant optimization was required. The faculty finally received increased funding in 2023, allowing for an expansion to 75 students in the fall of 2024. However, the problem extends beyond clinical teaching—there is an acute shortage of lecture halls and practical teaching facilities, which has severely impacted the Faculty of Medicine,” the article states.

A new building for the School of Health Sciences (NHHÍ) is expected to alleviate some of these challenges.

Government push for more medical graduates

Following a review by the Icelandic Medical Association in 2021, the government called for a substantial increase in the number of medical students to address the country’s doctor shortage.

“The report highlighted a severe lack of doctors in Iceland and emphasized the need for more medical education. The Faculty of Medicine immediately conducted an extensive analysis to determine what would be required to expand the program to 75 and later to 90 students. The conclusion was clear—new faculty hires and significant infrastructure improvements were essential,” Guðjónsson and Hrafnkelsdóttir explain.

Facility and funding challenges block further expansion

When asked whether the Faculty of Medicine plans to further increase student admissions, they pointed to two major roadblocks: lack of facilities and insufficient funding for additional staff.

“We submitted a memorandum to the Ministry of Universities, Science, and Innovation outlining the funding required for expansion. At our faculty meeting in the fall of 2023, we agreed to increase admissions from 60 to 75. The additional funding secured was primarily used to hire new teachers—yet the lack of facilities remains a serious issue,” they state.

Without proper investment in infrastructure and faculty, the university faces significant challenges in meeting the growing demand for medical education in Iceland.