Dr Esther Calbo, dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and Director of the Department of Medicine, welcomed attendees and highlighted: “We are particularly excited about this first edition of the congress, as we want to offer you the opportunity to delve into current medical issues from a cross-disciplinary, human and critical perspective – sparking your curiosity and passion for learning.” She added, “The congress reinforces our commitment to comprehensive medical education, where innovation and ethical reflection go hand in hand.”
As demonstrated throughout the various sessions, modern medicine requires not only technical knowledge but also a holistic view of the patient and their social context. Dr Calbo went on to say: “We want to convey to you that technological innovation must go hand in hand with thoughtful reflection on its impact on clinical practice and society.”
The programme was structured around four roundtables that addressed current issues in the healthcare sector from a social perspective. These included the mental health crisis, with particular attention to healthcare professionals and children and young people, and chronic care, focusing on innovative strategies for monitoring vulnerable patients, community-based management of heart failure and the role of nursing in primary care. From a more clinical perspective, the day also covered topics such as robotic surgery in specialised surgery, examining the applications of robotics across various surgical specialties – general surgery, urology, and gynaecology – and analysing their benefits, limitations and sustainability; as well as personalised medicine, reviewing the most recent treatments in gynaecological, breast and lung oncology.
The four roundtable discussions were moderated and presented by teaching staff and alums of the Faculty, together with healthcare professionals from various Catalan hospitals, including the university hospitals affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at UIC Barcelona: Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Hospital General de Granollers and Hospital Universitari General de Catalunya. The University and these centres share a commitment to teaching, research, patient care and service, which was clearly reflected throughout the day.
This congress provides an opportunity for the Department of Medicine to reaffirm its commitment to continuous professional development, academic excellence and critical thinking among its students. The Update en Salud event is establishing itself as a meeting point between the University and the hospital environment, promoting knowledge exchange and debate on the future of medicine.
