The Oncology Residency Program at Austral University Hospital began in 2020 and, since its inception, has trained three specialists. Initially, the program admitted one resident per year; starting in 2024, and in response to the service's sustained growth, the number of residency positions was increased to two per year.
The program is developed under the modality of Post-basic specializationAdmission requires prior completion of a residency in Internal Medicine. From its inception, the program has been characterized by a strong emphasis on the comprehensive approach to cancer patients, academic excellence, and clinical research, solidly integrating clinical practice with scientific training.
From 2027The residence will incorporate the modality of Basic Articulated Specialtywith a total duration of five years. This new scheme will allow for the integration of training in Internal Medicine with specific training in Oncology from the outset, strengthening the educational path and promoting the early development of skills in the specialty.
Modalities:
2 years of Medical Clinic.
3 years of Clinical Oncology.
Title obtained:
University Specialist in OncologyUpon graduation, the university specialist degree will be awarded by the Universidad Austral because the residency program is accredited by CONEAU. A specialist degree from a CONEAU-accredited program is valid nationwide. Furthermore, the residency program is recognized by the National Ministry of Health, which allows graduates to obtain specialty certification from the Ministry.
Accreditations:
Academic endorsements:
The Oncology Residency Program at Austral University Hospital focuses on the comprehensive care of cancer patients, training specialists with strong clinical judgment and a robust academic foundation. The training process is based on supervised clinical practice, multidisciplinary teamwork, and active participation in clinical case conferences, discussions, and clinical research. The program is distinguished by its care for patients with complex oncological conditions, access to innovative, personalized therapeutic strategies, and participation in clinical research, all within a framework of sustained commitment to teaching, medical ethics, and ongoing professional development.
Current residents:
Guards:
Post-guard rest:
Regular hours:
Observership & hands-on training
Teaching activity:
Holidays:
Specific areas within the service
Functional Oncology Units of the Austral University Hospital They are organized by pathology and allow for comprehensive and multidisciplinary care of cancer patients. Among the main ones are:
Each unit works in a coordinated manner with surgery, radiotherapy, pathology, imaging, palliative care and other specialties, through specific oncology committees.
Clinical Research Unit
The service has an active and constantly evolving Clinical Research Unit, integrated into clinical practice. The unit participates in phase I, II, and III clinical trials, providing access to new therapeutic strategies and promoting the generation of scientific knowledge.
Unit Leader and Medical Team
The graduate is a medical oncologist with a solid clinical and academic background, trained in the comprehensive management of cancer patients, including rare tumors and complex clinical cases. They possess skills in evidence-based decision-making, interdisciplinary teamwork, and effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare teams. They are trained in the use of advanced therapeutic strategies, biomarker interpretation, and participation in clinical research, developing their practice with a strong ethical and humanistic commitment to continuous professional development. Furthermore, the program fosters the development of professionals with critical thinking skills and an academic vocation, prepared to actively participate in scientific settings and contribute to the generation and dissemination of knowledge in oncology.
Given the residency program's short history, most graduates have continued their professional development within the institution. However, the training they receive prepares specialists to perform effectively in various settings both within the country and abroad, in clinical, academic, and research contexts.
Academic activities
The theoretical training is developed systematically and includes:
● Training in general oncology, structured by tumor models and integrated with molecular biology and pharmacology content.
● Clinical case conferences and discussions.
● Review of clinical trials.
● Workshops on drug infusion protocols.
Multidisciplinary committees
The residency program has a strong interdisciplinary focus. Residents participate weekly in multidisciplinary committees, where clinical cases are discussed and evidence-based therapeutic approaches are defined, including:
● Breast Committee (localized and metastatic)
● Urology Committee
● Thorax Committee
● VADS Committee
● Sarcoma Committee
● Digestive/Rectal Tumor Committee
● Molecular Tumor Committee
● Neuro-oncology Committee
● General Tumor Committee
● Gynecologic Oncology Committee
● Skin Cancer Committee
Research
The residency actively promotes training in clinical research through:
● Participation in clinical protocols and trials
● Dedicated research consulting rooms
● Protected spaces for academic production
The Oncology Residency Program at Austral University Hospital fosters a close-knit, collaborative, and respectful work environment where learning is built as a team. The fluid relationship between residents, attending physicians, and administrators creates a space for ongoing support, promoting both professional growth and personal development.
