The Faculty of Medicine at Diego Portales University held the open lecture “One Health: Emerging Diseases and Global Challenges for the Medical Profession,” presented by Dr. Ximena Aguilera, director of the UDP Health Observatory and former Minister of Health, in the Auditorium of the Faculty of Psychology.
The event was part of the first-year course “Experiences in Medicine I” and brought together students, faculty, and members of the university community interested in reflecting on the main health challenges facing the world today. During her presentation, Dr. Aguilera addressed the importance of the “One Health” approach, which promotes an integrated vision of human, animal, and environmental health to address complex phenomena such as emerging diseases and future health threats.
The event also marked a milestone for Diego Portales University, as it was Dr. Aguilera’s first public presentation at the institution in her capacity as director of the UDP Health Observatory, an initiative that aims to contribute to the analysis, research, and discussion of public health policies.
Recognized for her extensive career in public health, Dr. Ximena Aguilera served as Chile’s Minister of Health from 2022 to 2026. She is a specialist in epidemiology and public health and has held various leadership positions in both the public and academic sectors, establishing herself as one of the most influential voices in the national health debate.
During the lecture, the professor highlighted the challenges posed by emerging diseases in an increasingly interconnected global landscape, as well as the need to train health professionals with an interdisciplinary perspective and the ability to respond to complex and changing contexts.
The activity was attended by the first-year medical students, consisting of about 70 students, who were able to delve into key topics for their future professional training and discuss the challenges facing public health at the national and international levels.
