The death of a medical resident in Colombia, who allegedly took her own life due to the mistreatment and humiliation from her superiors, has sparked controversy in the country, where students and doctors claim that such practices are common in university training.
The victim in this case was the doctor Catalina Gutiérrez Zuluaga, who was completing her first year of postgraduate training as a general surgery resident (R1) at Javeriana University.
“They end our lives”: famous doctor on the death of Catalina Gutiérrez from Javeriana
Classist comments: Students from U. de los Andes label U. Javeriana as ‘stratum 2’
“To all the residents, thank you. I take many lessons from each of you. I will always carry you in my heart. You can do it. Stay strong. CGZ,” says a note left by the young doctor.
This unfortunate situation has sparked a debate with hundreds of opinions expressed on social media, including a controversial statement by Carolina Sanín, a writer who said through social media: “A suicide has no culprits.”
It is important to highlight that after Catalina’s suicide, several students and even professionals have reported that, indeed, excessive pressure, along with mistreatment and humiliation, exists within this profession.
This statement has led Sanín to receive countless comments and attacks, which so far keeps her name trending on X.
It is noteworthy that this is not the first time this woman has found herself in controversy for her comments, as she often uses social media to express radical and controversial positions.
No Apology Given
In Sanín’s post, there are various responses, including one from a relative of Dr. Catalina, who stated that the comment, lacking in empathy, does not serve as “comfort” to Mrs. Pilar, Catalina’s mother, to which Sanín replied:
“Will it comfort you to condemn others? Is that how you think grief is processed? Quite barbaric and foolish of you.”
And when the woman told her she was a relative of the young doctor, Sanín responded:
“I regret your loss. I also regret that you use this tragic relationship to ‘win’ a discussion (…)”
And contrary to what many users who have asked her to apologize for her opinion on Catalina’s case said, she stated that she apologized for thinking she could express her opinion freely.
“Casting pearls before swine is a sin of pride. And stupidity and waste.”
Bogotá provides mental health support lines:
- Line 106 (District Health Secretary): WhatsApp Chat: 3007548933 – Call toll-free (from a mobile or landline in Bogotá) the number 106: “We address some common topics: Affective relationships, Contraception, Violence, Dating, Sexual identity, Sexuality, School, Friends, Loneliness, Sadness, Joy, Special dates, Suicide, Sexual abuse, Bullying, Cyberbullying, Drugs or psychoactive substances.”
- District Psychoactive Line (District Health Secretary): WhatsApp Chat: WhatsApp Line: 3012761197 – Free phone line: 018000 112 439: “It is a confidential listening space formed by a team of psychology professionals specialized in the area, who provide services aimed at mitigating the risks derived from consumption and clarify doubts and inform about psychoactive substances.”