In light of the news of the death of Dr. Catalina Gutiérrez Zuluaga, a surgical resident at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, the Ministry of Education announced that it will conduct a visit to the institution to learn more about what happened and to determine the university’s actions in this case.
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This was explained by the entity through a statement in which it is stated that “in exercising the inspection and surveillance functions contained in Law 1740 of 2014, Resolution No. 14466 of 2022, and Decree 2269 of 2023, a preventive visit will be carried out to the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana to verify the quality conditions of the residents of health programs.”
It added: “Similarly, the actions taken for the prevention and care of physical and mental health risks, as well as the implementation of protocols designed to prevent any form of violence, harassment, and bullying, and suicide will be reported.”
Finally, the education ministry urged all higher education institutions in the country to take action to prioritize the mental health care of students.
It is important to remember that with regard to the same case, the Universidad Javeriana expressed sorrow for what happened and assured that it has provided support to Zuluaga’s family.
“In light of the sad news of the passing of our surgical resident, Catalina Gutiérrez Zuluaga, we want to express our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and professors. With prudence and respect, we have developed some actions to support her loved ones during these difficult times,” the university states.
The institution also recognized that strategies for well-being in the academic community need to be strengthened.
“This is a very hard event for our educational community, which calls us to reflect deeply and humbly on the culture and procedures in the training of our specialist doctors. While strategies have been developed in this regard, we are aware that we must strengthen our work in caring for our students, teachers, and patients,” the statement adds.
Industry Complaints
The National Association of Interns and Residents (ANIR) reported alleged mistreatment and deterioration in the mental health of medical students in the country following the news of Dr. Catalina Gutiérrez Zuluaga’s death.
“ANIR, as an association that aims to ensure the well-being of medical interns and residents, observes with concern that situations of mistreatment have been constant during the training process in undergraduate and postgraduate studies,” the statement indicates.
The association warns that mistreatment in educational and healthcare institutions involves breaches of the residents’ law “by disrespecting the regulated number of hours and shifts.”
In the statement, ANIR denounces that universities are aware of this situation but do not have clear policies to counteract it.
“In addition to the increase in mistreatment observed in educational and healthcare institutions, the deterioration of mental health and the lack of measures to address these situations, as well as the absence of well-being and support spaces that respond to this need, lead to a rise in these preventable cases in recent years,” the statement indicates.
Meanwhile, the Colombian Public Health Association lamented Dr. Zuluaga’s death.
“This sad event compels us to reflect on the importance of creating and maintaining better educational and working environments. We call on all institutions and society as a whole to work together in the construction of spaces that promote the well-being and dignity of all,” the Colombian Public Health Association states.
The board of directors of the Colombian Medical College also addressed the case and expressed regret for Zuluaga’s death. “‘You can do it,'” that was the final request she left to her fellow medical residents. “A request that must be heeded by all of us, the doctors of the country,” states the communiqué of the Colombian Medical College.
It adds: “It is vital that we promote an environment of respect, support, and integral development, where medical education is not synonymous with emotional exhaustion and supply. We all must work together to ensure that our future doctors are trained in a healthy and supportive environment, allowing them to reach their full potential without jeopardizing their mental and emotional health.”
MATEO CHACÓN ORDUZ
Education Journalist