Editorial de la revista número 2 del año 2008

Abstract

The Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, in addition to the outstanding healthcare for which it has always been known, has demonstrated over the past decades a strong commitment to remaining at the forefront of academic medicine in Argentina. In this regard, the growing collaboration between the Department of Teaching and Research (DDI) and the University Institute (IUHI), both expressions of teaching activity from two distinct legal entities but united in a common goal, is a clear demonstration of this commitment.

Through the Strategic Alliance Agreement, all committees in the teaching and research areas were functionally unified, avoiding unnecessary duplication and enhancing the performance of each area. A clear example of this is the structuring of the IUHI Research Department, led by Dr. Pablo Argibay, integrating the Research Committees of both the DDI and IUHI (Clinical Research, Research Protocol Ethics, Medical Education, and Experimental Research Committees).

This agreement also allowed the development of “delhospital ediciones” and our Virtual Campus, previously unthinkable. By the end of 2008, “delhospital ediciones” had published 14 titles since its inception in 2006, sold over 3,000 copies, and had 12 projects underway, both aimed at other professionals and the community.

The Virtual Campus, which also involves the Department of Medical Information, has expanded to offer 30 online courses, with 42 virtual tutors and 1,200 students from various countries during 2008.

I also wish to highlight two ongoing projects in the teaching area, closely linked to the Residency programs:

1. PROMEC (Program for the Improvement of Educational Quality): has initiated a new stage of evaluation of our Residencies and University Programs, with the participation of all stakeholders, starting a continuous improvement process based on analyzing strengths, weaknesses, and threats of each educational program.


2. PROARES (Program to Support Residencies): will standardize a common transversal and basic curriculum for all residencies, including courses in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and initial trauma care, computer tools and computerized bibliographic search, research methodology, bioethics, and patient safety.

Within this project, the Hospital has even been designated as an official site for ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) courses under the supervision of the AHA (American Heart Association). This will allow 300 students annually, ensuring that all residents participate in this educational experience, while also allowing professionals from other institutions or programs to access the courses at our Hospital.

Finally, this is linked to the ongoing Simulation Center project, which under the supervision of the DDI and IUHI will allow teaching, training, evaluating, and certifying all kinds of clinical, surgical, and teaching skills.

I conclude by publicly recognizing all the doctors, educators, nurses, and administrative staff of the DDI and IUHI, who tirelessly make these projects possible, and I invite all Hospital professionals to support them. The motivation and selfless dedication of its professionals is undoubtedly the most valuable asset the Hospital Italiano possesses.