Tragic Death of Medical Resident Ignites Debate on Mental Health and Work Conditions in Colombia

Following the suicide of Catalina Gutiérrez, students and graduates began sharing their experiences in the medical residency – credit Catalina Olaya/Colprensa

The suicide of Catalina Gutiérrez, a young resident at the Universidad Javeriana, continues to generate shock in the academic and medical community in Colombia.

The medical student took her life after leaving a letter denouncing alleged abuses and work overload during her residency, a situation that is now under scrutiny from both the university and the Ministry of Education.

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Carlos Gómez, the dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Javeriana, acknowledged the heavy work burden faced by residents not only in Colombia but globally.

“I am certainly sure that the burden is very heavy in Medicine, in all medical faculties in Colombia, in the world, and at Javeriana,” said Gómez, who is also a psychiatrist. This statement by the dean was made amid candlelight vigils and posthumous tributes paid by colleagues and medical societies in memory of Gutiérrez.

Officials at Universidad Javeriana have admitted that they were unaware of the personal circumstances that led to the young resident’s death.

Luis Fernando Múnera, the university rector, assured that all complaints are handled and accompanied to determine if they involve harassment or conflict. “We work based on explicit and concrete complaints,” Múnera stated.

In one of her last messages, Catalina Gutiérrez left a note addressed to her fellow residents, a text that resonates in the educational community: “Thank you, I will always carry you in my heart. You can do it. Keep going.” This phrase is now interpreted as a denunciation and a call for attention to the difficult conditions under which residents are subjected.

Students from Javeriana paid a heartfelt tribute to Catalina Gutiérrez – credit Catalina Olaya/Colprensa

Rector Múnera stated that a complaint had already been filed this year by graduate medical students, who received psychosocial support through the Paos unit. Additionally, in an interview with Blu Radio, he assured that the university has been providing support to students regarding their mental health.

“If we see a case of a professor who should leave the university due to these issues, we will do it, as well as for a student, because it also happens among them,” the rector explained about the severity of the reported situations.

In response to Catalina’s death, the authorities at Universidad Javeriana are holding discussions with faculty and students to address the situation. Several routes have been activated to address the cases, aiming to prioritize the mental health of future medical professionals.

The Ministry of Education has also announced that it will conduct an inspection of the institution to assess the working and academic conditions faced by medical students. This analysis will seek to prevent similar situations from recurring, ensuring a safer and healthier educational environment.

Carlos Gómez, when discussing his experience with the young woman, described her as a “great student,” recalling her time in the classrooms. However, he also emphasized that, in many cases, some situations leading to tragedies are not always visible to superiors or fellow students. “The problem is that some situations that lead to deaths may indeed go unreported,” warned the dean.

According to the rector, he knows of other students who have reported and an investigation is underway regarding this – credit Catalina Olaya/Colprensa

Universidad Javeriana is now at the center of a broader conversation about the pressures and challenges faced by medical students in Colombia and beyond. Academic and work demands are a recurring issue that requires a thorough review to prevent future incidents and improve student wellness.

The tragedy of Catalina Gutiérrez has highlighted the importance of proper attention to mental health in the educational and professional sphere. Institutions are called to reevaluate and improve their methods of support and supervision to ensure a safer and more sustainable environment for all their students.

The suicide of Catalina Gutiérrez Zuluaga, a surgery resident at Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, has caused a strong shock in Colombia. Catalina, originally from Caldas, took her life on July 21, 2024, sparking a deep debate about the working conditions of medical residents in the country.

The circumstances surrounding her tragic passing have raised serious accusations of mistreatment by professors. These accusations have highlighted the pressure and stress faced by medical residents and have led the university to commit to thoroughly investigating the case. In its official statement, Universidad Javeriana expressed: “We deeply regret the death of Catalina Gutiérrez and are committed to clarifying the events surrounding her passing.”

Catalina was known for her dedication and professionalism, factors that make her loss even more painful for her colleagues and loved ones. Various colleagues and friends have come forward to publicly share their experiences and support the allegations of mistreatment.