Chile expands regional specialist training at UCN and UMAG medical schools

The Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN) in the Coquimbo region welcomed its largest cohort of medical specialists, adding the first residents to a new urology program and a new general surgery resident. All four new residents said they intend to stay in the region after training, a move aimed at increasing specialist availability and reducing waiting lists. Dr. Alejandra Lagos Kramm noted that “the formation of specialists in the region is a key strategy to address access gaps.”

Meanwhile, the School of Medicine at the Universidad de Magallanes (UMAG) announced the launch of new specialty tracks in adult neurology, radiotherapy oncology and general surgery. The university plans to create a full Faculty of Medicine to expand research, postgraduate studies and specialist training, with the goal of retaining doctors in the far‑south Magallanes region and strengthening local health services.