Since its incorporation in 2008 as a university hospital affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at UIC Barcelona, the Hospital Universitari General de Catalunya (HUGC), a regional benchmark for more than four decades, has become a cornerstone of the University’s teaching model. Its role enables future doctors and healthcare professionals to train in direct contact with real-world clinical practice, combining theoretical learning with supervised clinical experience in a high-complexity hospital setting.

“The partnership with the Hospital Universitari General de Catalunya reflects our approach to medical education: patient-centred, connected to the healthcare system, and grounded in real-world experience,” stated Dr Esther Calbo, dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. “This collaboration exemplifies how universities and university hospitals can work together to transform teaching and generate knowledge that directly impacts the quality of care.”

The agreement between UIC Barcelona and HUGC promotes integration between academic and healthcare spheres, encouraging the shared use of human, technological and scientific resources. Thanks to this collaborative model, medical students have the opportunity to undertake their curricular placements in a hospital environment where they actively participate in clinical care, teamwork and applied research.

Furthermore, the synergies between the two institutions support the ongoing professional development of healthcare staff, foster the creation of joint research projects, and facilitate knowledge transfer among lecturers, researchers, and healthcare personnel.

After more than 17 years of joint work, UIC Barcelona and the Hospital Universitari General de Catalunya continue to advance towards a model that integrates education, care and research to meet the real needs of individuals. This shared commitment reaffirms the role of the University and its affiliated hospitals as agents of transformation and progress in the field of health.