Icelandic law provides that many professors' posts at the Medical Department of the University of Iceland shall be filled by head physicians at the National University Hospital. Teaching and vocational training of e.g. medical, nursing and physiotherapy students at the Faculty of Medicine, takes place mostly at the National University Hospital and many students work on projects, such as research, under the guidance of teachers and the hospital staff. Specialized hospital staff  has had increasing opportunities to enter into postgraduate courses, retraining and continuous training courses within the hospital. Every year many lectures, consultation sessions, seminars  and courses are held. Staff members also travel abroad regularly to recognized universities and hospitals to further their knowledge in various specialties and  for reeducation. This international experience combined with frequent visits of foreign specialists to Iceland have contributed to constant progress and ensured the quality of the country's health service.