The Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital hosted the “Rheumatology Excellence Preceptorship,” a high-level educational initiative in advanced rheumatology that brought together national and international specialists to update clinical, therapeutic, and research knowledge in the field. Directed by Dr. Ricardo Blanco, Head of the Rheumatology Department, and carried out in collaboration with Adium’s Immunology Division, the program took place over four days, combining theoretical sessions, clinical practice, and discussion spaces.
A Comprehensive and Hands-On Program
Dr. Blanco explained that the initiative responds to the need to disseminate medical advances and translate them into clinical practice:
“These advances have a direct impact on patients. Establishing communication links with other centers, even across the ocean, allows us to discuss different approaches to the same disease and enrich our clinical practice.”
The program covered a wide range of content: clinical and therapeutic diagnosis, with special focus on rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and other spondyloarthritides; basic and applied research in collaboration with the Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL); imaging techniques and interventional procedures, including diagnostic ultrasound and guided infiltrations; and therapeutic updates based on European guidelines (EULAR). The practical training—combining simulators and real patients at the Valdecilla Virtual Hospital—was especially appreciated by attendees, who highlighted the opportunity to translate theory into clinical practice.
Research, Teaching, and International Collaboration
For Dr. Blanco, research and innovation are fundamental pillars of modern rheumatology:
“Generating knowledge has an impact on teaching and improves patient care. Collaborating with other hospitals and departments, both national and international, allows us to stay current with the latest advances in the specialty.”
Alongside clinical training, the program included seminars on educational innovation and postgraduate training, reinforcing the three pillars of a university hospital: clinical care, research, and teaching. Participants—including professionals from Argentina—praised the program’s comprehensive nature, spanning from basic research to day-to-day clinical management, as well as the opportunity to exchange experiences and discuss different approaches within rheumatology.
Impact and Future of the Program
Dr. Blanco expects the training to have a positive impact on the clinical practice of participants and on the development of their rheumatology units, helping improve patient care and knowledge transfer between centers. He also announced that the program will continue in future editions, with the aim of sharing experiences and promoting international collaboration within the specialty.
Valdecilla Hospital, a national and international reference center, thus reinforces its commitment to medical excellence, innovation, research, and the continuous advancement of healthcare professionals.
