Rosa María Weisz, Emilce Preisz
Description: This article presents the experiences in postgraduate training of two bioengineers who graduated from the Faculty of Engineering at the National University of Entre Ríos (FIUNER) in Argentina. The authors, who embarked on their professional journey in clinical engineering and specialized in this field of engineering, while simultaneously working as faculty members at this academic institution, collaborated with FIUNER to propose the creation of a postgraduate program in Clinical Engineering (CE), specifically designed for bioengineers and biomedical engineers. In 2015, the first cohort of the Specialization in Engineering program commenced at FIUNER with the objective of training professionals capable of addressing specific challenges in medical care. The curriculum, spanning two years, consists of eight theoretical-practical courses, including hands-on experiences in hospitals and medical care centers. Despite encountering challenges such as a scarcity of postgraduate-trained teachers in CE and the logistical difficulties faced by students traveling from various regions of Argentina and Latin America, collaboration with national and international experts helped overcome these obstacles. Results: The program has seen significant growth, with 71 teachers involved in the four cohorts, including course instructors, visiting professors, and laboratory assistants. Notably, the last two cohorts were conducted online, resulting in increased participation from professionals. To date, 87 individuals have enrolled in the program, and 214 professionals have completed one or more courses, with a notable percentage of women participants. Surveys conducted with career students have revealed a high level of satisfaction with the training received, particularly highlighting the participation of experts and references in various topics. Additionally, the program has fostered the formation of professional networks, which have proven invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic. These networks have connected professionals from different regions of Argentina and other Latin American countries, creating opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Conclusions:The authors emphasize the importance of investing in postgraduate training in Clinical Engineering to enhance healthcare in developing countries. By cultivating a critical mass of specialized professionals equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge, significant improvements can be made in the management of medical technologies and, consequently, healthcare outcomes. The authors contend that FIUNER’s academic training proposal is particularly relevant, given its potential to address the unique healthcare challenges faced in their region and contribute to the overall improvement of healthcare quality.