Institute of Cardiovascular Physiopathology: Evolution

VALICENTI MC; MERINO SF; GELPI RJ; LÓPEZ PRIETO MB; RANCICH AM

Buenos Aires

Congreso; 45 Congreso de la Sociedad Internacional de la Historia de la Medicina.; 2016

Sociedad Internacional de Historia de la Medicina

Objectives: To analyze the evolution of the Institute of Cardiovascular Physiopathology (INFICA), Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Argentina since its creation until 2015.Research methodology: The analysis is based on: resolutions, researcher?s resumes, the INFICA and other institutions? websites, databases of trainee students.Summary: INFICA is created in 1992 as a research laboratory due to the initiatives of researchers from UBA and the National University of La Plata. Its objectives are to perform and promote cardiovascular, humanistic and educational research activities, form human resources and teaching. In 2003 it becomes an institute of the School of Medicine (Resolution 1995) and in 2007, of UBA (Resolution 1858). In that year, a sub-site is created in the University Center of Animal Research, School of Veterinary Sciences. In 2011 INFICA combines with the Program of Free Radicals of the National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) to form the Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UBA-CONICET (Resolution 4864).A distinctive feature is the participation of high school and college students in research. Therefore in 2004 the Civil Association of Students for Science in the School of Medicine of UBA (Resolution 2839) is created. INFICA had 76 trainee students: 63 from medical school, 5 from biology, 3 from other careers and 4 from high school. Eight obtained a Stimulus Grant from UBA. Four degree dissertations were directed. In relation to postgraduates, 19 professionals finished their PhD and 7 are in process of finishing: 23 from the cardiovascular area, 3 from humanistic. Four master?s theses were directed. Also 9 initiation, 14 PhD and 2 postdoctoral grants were obtained, given by CONICET, UBA and The National Agency of Scientific and Technological Promotion (ANPCYT) to ex-trainee students and other graduates in medicine and biological sciences. Some obtained research positions from CONICET and UBA, passing through different categories, obtaining subsidies from such institutions and ANPCYT for projects (18). Regarding scientific production, cardiovascular area published 5 books, 14 chapters, 63 articles in national and international journals and 254 presentations in congresses. Humanistic area published 2 chapters, 23 articles and 61 presentations. Members obtained 16 awards to scientific work. The members are examiners in different scientific and professional institutions and are also reviewers in national and international journals. They participate in societies, organize scientific meetings and work in university management. INFICA works in academic and scientific collaboration with the Schools of Medicine of Universities of: New Jersey, EEUU; Minas Gerais, Brasil; the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay and Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada. The Institute organizes the International Master Program in Biomedical Sciences, with the School of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, UBA and University of Freiburg, Germany. It participates in specialty careers: medical and veterinary Cardiology, Pathology and Haemodynamics, Angiography and Interventional Cardioangiology, and in courses of cardiological societies. Conclusions: Analysing these 23 years of INFICA?s evolution, we found its scientific production has grown in all its areas through books, chapters, articles, and presentations. This was possible due to the training of human resources in research and teaching activities. These results constitute a motivation to continue developing all these tasks with greater emphasis.