In an interview on Radio Duna’s “Espíritu Científico” program, Dr. Ximena Aguilera, director of the Health Observatory at the School of Medicine, discussed the role of medicine and science in serving society, and the responsibility to use scientific knowledge to improve people’s lives.
The conversation also touched on aspects of her career and how she developed her scientific calling. She addressed the difference between practicing medicine directly and, at the same time, dedicating oneself to research and public health policy.
“The public system has made great strides in expanding primary care, but certainly when people have firsthand experience with the public sector—when they have to wait or when they have to request an appointment with a specialist and don’t know when it will be—that creates a negative impression, especially among people who don’t use the system,” she added.
Along the same lines, Dr. Aguilera reflected on how scientific knowledge can influence the decisions made by authorities and, therefore, that public health policies should not be based solely on political or ideological positions, but also on scientific evidence.
Drawing on her experience as a physician, researcher, and academic, she explores medicine from its social and human dimensions and how science can help solve problems that directly affect people. This is closely tied to the current work being carried out by the UDP Health Observatory, an organization dedicated to conducting research and analysis on health policies.
Listen to the full interview at this link.
