The Gastroenterology Residency Program at Austral University Hospital began in 2011 with the goal of training specialists with a strong clinical, academic, and humanistic foundation. Since its inception, twelve resident physicians have graduated and are currently working in various healthcare and academic settings, both in Argentina and abroad.

Throughout its development, the program has evolved by incorporating diagnostic and therapeutic advances, with special emphasis on digestive endoscopy, evidence-based medicine, and comprehensive training geared towards the responsible and ethical practice of the specialty.

Duration
Post-basic residency of three (3) years duration.

Entry requirements:

Medical degree with official recognition and national validity issued by Argentine universities. Applicants with a medical degree issued by foreign universities must submit the corresponding revalidation or validation, as established by current national regulations.

1. Professional registration enabling the practice of the profession at the Austral University Hospital.
2. Specialist title in Internal Medicine, General and Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine or Intensive Care, issued by officially authorized Argentine universities or Specialist title or equivalent in Internal Medicine, General and Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine or Intensive Care, issued by foreign universities (in which case the validation or revalidation of the medical title must be accredited as appropriate) or residency accredited by the competent authority, complete in Internal Medicine, General and Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine or Intensive Care.

Title obtained
Gastroenterology Specialist

Upon graduation, the university specialist degree will be awarded by the Universidad Austral because the degree program associated with the residency has been accredited by CONEAU. The specialist title from a program accredited by CONEAU is valid nationwide.

Additional academic endorsements

• SAGE – Advanced Course of the Argentine Society of Gastroenterology.

The Gastroenterology Residency Program aims to train specialist physicians with strong scientific, technical, and clinical skills for the comprehensive management of digestive system diseases, within the framework of ethical, humanized, and patient-centered medical care. The program aligns with the Faculty's institutional mission, promoting a holistic view of the patient and responsible medical practice that transcends the strictly technical approach to disease. It also integrates structured academic training in which scientific research and evidence-based medicine are fundamental pillars, fostering the development of critical thinking and the continuous improvement of clinical practice. Training takes place in the Gastroenterology Department of Austral University Hospital, a high-complexity healthcare setting with a strong emphasis on patient safety, interdisciplinary teamwork, supervised clinical practice, and active participation in teaching and research activities, ensuring a comprehensive educational environment for the professional, academic, and personal development of the resident.

• Current residents:
• On-call schedule: From the second year onwards, passive on-call duty is performed, with an approximate workload of 15 days per month. The residency program does not include active on-call duty, therefore no post-on-call rest is required.
• Regular hours: 08:00 a 18:00 h.
• Observership & hands-on training Throughout the residency program, three (3) rotations are completed, including internal rotations in areas of the Austral University Hospital and external rotations in referral centers, such as Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Digestive Motility, and an elective rotation. International rotations are also available according to current agreements.
• Teaching activity: between 4 and 5 hours per week, which include theoretical classes, clinical seminars, case discussions and structured academic activities.
• Holidays: 30 days per year, in accordance with current regulations.

• High complexity and high volume of care, with exposure to frequent and low prevalence digestive pathology, and comprehensive approach to patients with complex diseases.
• Advanced digestive endoscopyThe service offers complex therapies, high-tech equipment, and incorporates artificial intelligence. It has specialized areas for biliary tract surgery, endoscopic ultrasound, capsule endoscopy, digestive motility, inflammatory bowel disease, and third-space procedures.
• multidisciplinary approach, with joint work with General Surgery, Hepatology, Liver Transplantation, Oncology, Diagnostic Imaging and Pathology.
• Human, ethical and holistic developmentfocused on the patient, their environment and responsible clinical decision-making.
• Active scientific activity, with regular participation in national and international congresses and sustained scientific production of the service in recent years.
• Collaborative work environment, with integration into academic teams, research groups and networks with other leading institutions.
• Collaboration with scientific societies, both nationally and internationally, which promotes continuous updating and professional development.

The Gastroenterology Service is structured in such a way as to favor the progressive training of the resident, interdisciplinary work and continuous academic development.

Service Authorities

• Head of Service: Mario Emilio Donatelli.
• Coordinator: Germán Luis Rainero.

• Resident instructor: Nelson Mejía.
• Teaching team / staff: Luis Laferrere, Dr. Germán Rainero, Dr. Paola Cáceres, Dr. Soledad Campos, Dr. María Elisa Zenón, Dr. Cristian Mengoni, Dr. Noelia Meligrana, Dr. Pablo Felipe Morra, Dr. Nelson Mejía, Dr. Marcelo Giacoboni, Dr. Renata Spiazzi, Dr. Roberto Caballero, Dr. Javier Moreira and Dr. Germán Bustillo.

Unit/Section Heads:

• Biliary tract and ERCP: Mario Emilio Donatelli.
• Inflammatory bowel disease: Germán Rainero.
• Celiac Disease: Paola Cáceres and Dr. Soledad Campos.
• Video capsule endoscopy: María Elisa Zenón.
• Echoendoscopy: Cristian Mengoni.
• Digestive motility: Nelson Mejía.

The teaching team continuously supports the academic, healthcare and personal development of the resident, with ongoing supervision and personalized feedback opportunities that promote professional growth.

The graduate of the Gastroenterology Residency at the Austral University Hospital is a specialist physician with comprehensive training, a solid clinical foundation, and the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, both in healthcare and academic settings.

key competencies

• Comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approach to the main pathologies of the digestive system.
• Management of outpatients and inpatients, including highly complex scenarios.
• Interpretation and performance of basic and advanced endoscopic procedures, according to the level of training achieved.
• Application of evidence-based medicine and ethical and responsible clinical decision-making.

job placement

Approximately 75% of graduates have joined the institution or high-complexity centers, both in the healthcare and academic fields.

Academic activities:

• Clinical and bibliographic conferences.
• Structured theoretical classes.
• Mandatory workshops and courses.
• Discussion of clinical trials and critical analysis of scientific evidence.

The training plan is designed to accompany a gradual progression of clinical and academic responsibilities.

The residency program takes place in a demanding academic environment, with a collaborative work atmosphere and ongoing support. Residents actively participate in the daily clinical activities of the department, as well as in training sessions and on-call duty. A work environment based on respect, camaraderie, and continuous learning is also fostered, with opportunities for recreational activities, social gatherings, and institutional events that strengthen team cohesion and a sense of belonging.

Marcelo Giacoboni
Magiacob@hospitalaustral.edu.ar