El regalo de Manuel Oyarzún

Tributo a los 170 años de la creación del Primer Curso de Ciencias Médicas en Chile*

MANUEL OYARZÚN G.**

Rev Chil Enf Respir 2003; 19: 94-100

TRIBUTE TO THE 170 TH ANNIVERSARY OF CREATION OF THE FIRST COURSE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES IN CHILE
The first course in Medicine was inaugurated in 1833, even before the University of Chile (1843) the oldest in the country. Since 1833 the development of Chilean Medicine has been difficult but constant. The outstanding developments in medical education that have occurred during these 170 years are mentioned. Most of these milestones have had the active participation or have had place at the School of Medicine, which was begining to grow and to develop after the pioneer course of 1833. After a very modest beginning with a very small number of students and professors this School of Medicine was spread over most of Santiago public hospitals, introducing in Chile the scientific and technological advances of biomedical sciences.
During these 170 years this institution has substantially contributed to the development and progress of Chilean Medicine. Looking at present and past, it is surprising how this School of Medicine has been able to adapt to the huge changes that have taken place in our country, as well as in the whole world. A adaptative problem in its immediate future is how to succesfully face the huge scientific, technological, social and economical challenges of the present century, preserving the most preciated and traditional principles of our university.