training program in palliative development research development , a pioneering initiative to train Ecuadorian professionals at the ICS

A pioneering and unique program in the world for training Latin American training the development palliative care. This is the proposal the Palliative research Program, which has been running since 2023 at the ATLANTES Global Palliative Care Observatory of the Institute for Culture and Society (ICS) at the University of Navarra. The initiative has been made possible thanks to sponsorship Luis and Kate Bakker Fund (Ecuador), which promotes these scholarships with the goal train Latin American professionals in research development promotion of palliative care at the international level, with a direct impact on their countries of origin.

Internist Cristina Béjar and clinical psychologist Daniela Suárez, both from Ecuador, were the first participants in the program, completing their training October 2024 and December 2025, respectively. Last January, clinical psychologist Paola González, also from Ecuador, began her fellowship . Carlos Centeno, researcher at ATLANTES, partner center, believes that "this program was created with the aim of training professionals who, upon returning to their country, can promote collaboration between institutions and consolidate a stable structure for research improvement of palliative care services. Our goal for what is learned at ATLANTES to translate into local capacity, work networks work sustainable projects adapted to their context."

Interdisciplinary team

The training twelve months, with a main stay in the ATLANTES team and the possibility of a one-month rotation at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra. Cristina Béjar, the first scholarship recipient in this program, arrived in Pamplona in October 2023. Trained in medicine at the Catholic University of Ecuador, the researcher believes that the experience has changed her life, both staff professionally.

"Working at ATLANTES allowed me to venture into research with indicators that I was unfamiliar with from my internship , but which are fundamental to the development of palliative care." She also highlights that she has discovered "multiple areas of study" and "several groups worldwide working to improve health systems and guarantee this care for all."

The stay also gave him the opportunity to "learn about a healthcare system different from Ecuador's" and "work with a great team that has been a major support for my professional growth."

Before arriving in Pamplona, Daniela Suárez, a graduate of the University of the Americas in Quito, worked independently in the clinical field of palliative care, also providing psychotherapy services and teaching . In addition, she had completed a postgraduate program Systemic Family Therapy in Argentina and a Master of Science in Palliative Care at the University of Freiburg in Germany.

"This fellowship has been a deeply enriching experience. ATLANTES combines the highest academic rigor with a work and close-knit work culture. Being part of an interdisciplinary and international team allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the structural, political, and social factors that influence the development palliative care globally. In addition, I found a very welcoming environment, with constant support and a genuine interest in the growth of each fellow," says the researcher.

training

Paola González, who is currently completing her residency, is a clinical psychologist from the University of Azuay (Cuenca, Ecuador) and holds Master's Degree Psycho-Oncology and Palliative Care from the Complutense University of Madrid. Before arriving in Pamplona, she worked at the San Camilo Hospice in Quito and as professor the Postgraduate Program in Palliative Care at the UTE University.

"I come to this fellowship with great enthusiasm for everything it entails on a professional level. I believe there is no better foundation than the one I am building now and the knowledge I will acquire in this process," he explains.

He also emphasizes that "being close to such important figures in research palliative care research represents a constant and very valuable learning experience. During training , research rarely addressed, and an essential dimension for professional and staffgrowth is overlooked." During his stay, he seeks to "acquire new tools" that will allow him to contribute and refund knowledge society.