To strengthen infrastructure for academic training, research, and healthcare, authorities from the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of Santiago de Chile visited their newly acquired land on Belisario Prats street, adjacent to San José Hospital.
The activity was led by Dean of the Faculty, Alejandro Guajardo Córdoba. Participants also included Vice Dean of Teaching, Mónica Osses; Faculty Secretary, Domingo Pozo; and Erika Dahl, who serves as the coordinator of clinical fields at San José Hospital and the northern area.
The future teaching and healthcare center planned for this site is a strategic initiative to expand the faculty's capacity. The center will provide opportunities for the academic and professional development of students, researchers, and healthcare staff, while also strengthening joint efforts with one of northern Santiago's most important hospitals.
"Our connection with clinical fields is key to the quality of our training," explained Dean Guajardo during the tour. "This move shows our commitment to growth, territorial responsibility, and public service."
"We're truly happy to have the university administration's support, from their architects and financing to their knowledge," the dean added. "Their backing of this project will allow us to create spaces for the Usach community in the northern area in the medium term."
"Our proximity to San José Hospital offers an invaluable opportunity to develop new strategies for teaching, clinical practice, and applied health research," emphasized coordinator Erika Dahl. The School of Medicine faculty member also noted that this marks a major milestone in the teaching-healthcare relationship.
Dr. Dahl revealed a key statistic: roughly 70% of students who intern at San José Hospital end up staying on as employees. She also predicted that this trend could extend to other professionals from different fields, who may also choose to work in the clinical environment.
This new acquisition marks a major milestone, solidifying the Faculty's presence in the northern Metropolitan Region and reaffirming the institution's dedication to three key principles: equitable health access, academic excellence, and inter-institutional collaboration.