Browsing by Author "Rodriguez, Javier"

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    Longitudinal evaluation of a major curricular reform in undergraduate medical education: a cohort study from Chile
    (2025) Cisternas Martinez, Marcela Carolina; Garrido, Francisco; Rivera Mercado, Solange; Bitrán Carreño, Marcela; Thone Miranda, Natalie Andrea; Riquelme Pérez, Arnoldo; Gana Ahumada, Natalia; Nazar Jara, Claudio; Rodriguez, Javier; Sirhan Nahum, Marisol; Valdes, Claudia; Heusser Risopatron, Felipe; Moraga Uribe, Lili Gisela
    Medical education is undergoing significant transformations to better align with evolving healthcare needs. In 2015, the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile implemented a major curricular reform in its School of Medicine, shifting from a traditional 7-year program to an integrated, competency-based 6-year curriculum. This study aimed to assess the academic outcomes, clinical competencies, and differences in student well-being between both curricula. Methods:We conducted a prospective, longitudinal, comparative study of two cohorts: the last cohort under the traditional curriculum and the first cohort under the new curriculum. Three measurements were carried out along the study program: at the beginning, at the middle and at the last year of the program. Academic performance, professionalism, and clinical competencies were evaluated using standardized written tests, OSCEs and the National Medical Exam (EUNACOM). In addition, we compared the courses grades and attrition statistics along the studies. At these three points, students also answered a range of self-reporting instruments regarding distress, burnout, wellbeing, mindfulness, empathy and the educational environment. Results: Both cohorts achieved similar average grades and EUNACOM scores. The new curriculum cohort had a significantly lower course failure rate (7.6% vs 13%, p<0.01) and better outcomes in professionalism and communication. Final OSCE scores were slightly higher in Obstetrics/Gynecology and Family Medicine. Despite these improvements, both cohorts showed high and increasing levels of stress, burnout, and declining empathy, particularly in the final years. While the elevated levels of stress and anxiety observed among medical students are extensively documented in the literature, the COVID-19 pandemic may have exerted an additional influence on these outcomes. Conclusion: The new curriculum maintained academic performance while enhancing professionalism and reducing failure rates and training time. However, persistent mental health challenges underscore the need for stronger and more effective support systems. These findings reveal the value of competency-based education while highlighting the importance of holistic curricular evaluation.
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    Risk factors for readmission after a cholecystectomy: a case-control study
    (2024) Garcia, Daniel; Pastore, Antonia; Rodriguez, Javier; Crovari, Fernando; Cerda, Jaime; Rebolledo, Patricia; Achurra, Pablo; Vinuela, Eduardo; Martinez, Jorge; Dib, Martin; Briceno, Eduardo
    Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with 30 -day hospital readmissions after a cholecystectomy. Methods: We conducted a case-control study, with data obtained from UC-Christus from Santiago, Chile. All patients who underwent a cholecystectomy between January 2015 and December 2019 were included in the study. We identified all patients readmitted after a cholecystectomy and compared them with a randomized control group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify risk factors. Results: Of the 4866 cholecystectomies performed between 2015 and 2019, 79 patients presented 30 -day hospital readmission after the surgical procedure (1.6%). We identified as risk factors for readmission in the univariate analysis the presence of a solid tumor at the moment of cholecystectomy (OR = 7.58), high pre -operative direct bilirubin (OR = 2.52), high pre -operative alkaline phosphatase (OR = 3.25), emergency admission (OR = 2.04), choledocholithiasis on admission (OR = 4.34), additional surgical procedure during the cholecystectomy (OR = 4.12), and post -operative complications. In the multivariate analysis, the performance of an additional surgical procedure during cholecystectomy was statistically significant (OR = 4.24). Conclusion: Performing an additional surgical procedure during cholecystectomy was identified as a risk factor associated with 30 -day hospital readmission.