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29/04/2026

Mikel Sánchez, Founder and Medical-Scientific Director of Hospital MiKS, Honoured with the Gold Medal of Álava

The Provincial Council of Álava has awarded its highest distinction to Mikel Sánchez in recognition of his outstanding career, commitment, and medical excellence, acknowledging one of the most influential figures in regenerative medicine worldwide.

April 28, 2026, will remain a very special date for everyone who is part of the MiKS project.

At the Artium Museum, surrounded by his family, colleagues, and a broad representation of Alava's society, Dr. Mikel Sánchez received the Gold Medal of Álava, the highest honour granted by the Provincial Council.

It was a deeply emotional ceremony, filled with symbolism and recognition, which at times moved even the award recipient himself. Beyond celebrating an exceptional professional career, the distinction honoured a particular way of understanding medicine—and life itself.

Dr. Sánchez's vision is based on what he calls “Science with Conscience”: the union of scientific rigor and human values. This philosophy has guided his entire career and can be represented as a perfect hexagon, where each of its six sides contributes to the whole: Research, Innovation, Education, Collaboration, Outreach, and Family.

If there is one characteristic that defines Mikel, it is his commitment to teamwork. Like a beehive, where intelligence is shared and everyone moves in the same direction. Without unnecessary protagonism or empty hierarchies, always guided by coherence, commitment, and example.

At Hospital MiKS, we witness this every day. His leadership does not stem from authority, but from genuine involvement with people and with the project itself. He is not only an internationally recognized medical leader; he is also a mentor, a colleague, and, for many, a friend.

The ceremony also served as an opportunity to remember those who have shaped his journey, to highlight the value of lifelong learning, and to send a clear message to future generations: innovation can emerge from here, excellence can be achieved without leaving home, and world-class medicine can be practiced while remaining, above all, deeply human.

We are immensely proud of you, Mikel. Not only for being an international reference in medicine, but for embodying values, commitment, passion, and humanity—and, above all, for being one of us.

Zorionak (Congratulations)!