Universidad del Desarrollo School of Medicine, Chile

Fellowship Site: Chile-Santiago; US Partner: University of New Mexico

The following programs are part of the Clinica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo School of Medicine:

• Institute of Science- The Institute of Sciences has 600 square meters, with cell culture facilities, molecular biology laboratory, microscopy, cytometry and animal facilities. At present, 14 PhDs and other investigators develop research in a) Mesenquimatical Stem Cell therapeutic protocols, b) natural antiviral activity of cell systems, c) ecology and natural history of hantavirus infection (including immune response, genetic predisposition, treatment interventions); d) the epidemiological and genetic characterization of children with epidermolysis bullosa, development of comprehensive clinical care and therapeutic interventions; e) the biology of the differentiation of adult trunk cells from neurons, chondrocytes and cardiomyocytes in order to develop cellular therapy strategies for Parkinson's disease, articular lesions and cardiac infarction.
• Center for Human Genetics- performs research genetic components of disease, including a) Genetic bases of cystic fibrosis in Chile b) characterization of chromosome 22q11 micro-deletion syndrome c) congenital hearing loss (etiology and diagnostic strategies), d) genetic modifiers of infectious diseases and e) development of tumor biomarkers.
  

• Neuroscience Institute- Another research line is related to neuropathic pain in patients suffering chronic regional pain syndromes and painful diabetic neuropathy. These patients undergo intraneural recording through microneurography, allowing characterization of nociceptors, along with clinical and neurophysiological assessment, in the context of the ongoing NIH grant.

• Center of Epidemiology and Health Care Policies (CEPS)- The mission of this working group is to create a interdisciplinary setting for research and analysis of relevant health care problems in the country, particularly addressing the areas of Social Determinants of Health, Health Impact Assessment, Environmental Health, Burden of Diseases and Health Care Reform. . Developing collaborative research studies with multiple institutions, among them, the Ministry of Health, other governmental organizations involved in health services regulation, universities and organizations in the area of education, environment and urban environments. The Center is also involved ai high quality teaching in the field of Public Health and its associated disciplines and provides methodological support to clinical and epidemiological research to the Medical School and Clinica Alemana., The Center is part of Knowledge Networks created by the Commission on Social Determinants of Health in the World Health Organization, coordinating the Measurement and Evidence Hub in association with the public health team in NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) in the United Kingdom.

• Center of Bioethics- The alliance between Universidad del Desarrollo and Clinica Alemana was created with the mission of teaching undergraduates and postgraduates, contributing to the development of bioethics, and becoming an instance of ample and pluralistic dialog and reflection. The main opportunities for research are in the following areas: teaching methods in Bioethics, ethical topics of the beginning of life, ethical topics of the end of life and clinical ethics committees. The Center of Bioethics activities and publications are shown in its web page (http://bioetica.udesarrollo.cl)

Research Opportunities:

Main research projects available for fellow inclusion are:

• Hantavirus Ecology and Disease in Chile and Panama; Ongoing studies incled clinical studies conducted at a network of clinical research sites throughout central and southern Chile, laboratory (BSL-3) research in Santiago, and collaborations with small mammal biologists. 
• Passive Immunotherapy of Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome
• Neurobiology of CRPS/Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
• Genetic modifiers of the cardiovascular phenotype of chromosome22q11 microdeletion patients
• Development of biomarkers in ovarian cancer
  
• Development of electrophilia/nucleophilia theoretical scales in Michael acceptors and biological systems: application to antitumoral drug design
• Effect of moderate hypothermia on gas exchange and molecular, vascular and mechanical markers in acute respiratory distress syndrome induced by meconium instillation and lung protective ventilation
• Regenerative Medicine for Diabetes and its complications

Housing/Meals/Transportation:

Chilean Universities do not provide any on-campus residence so students must look for lodging off campus. The International Relations Office (IRO) provides information, contacts and assistance to students in finding the best place to live in Chile. The choices are: University boarding houses, family homes, and shared apartments. It is very important for our institution that international students live in a safe, pleasant place, according to their expectations and resources. However, although (IRO) helps students in their search, each student is responsible for finding a place appropriate to his/her needs. The IOR is responsible for arrangements to provide housing to the fellows for the first month upon arrival.

In Santiago, we recommend finding lodging in Las Condes, Providencia, Vitacura or Lo Barnechea neighborhood. One of the alternatives that we offer is living in a university boarding house. Students can choose to have a private room and bath or a shared room and bath, both with and without meals. Prices range from US$350 to US$550 monthly, depending on the services that are included. Another alternative is to live with a family. Fellows must apply in advance since space is limited. The costs are similar to those of a boarding house. Finally, fellows can rent an apartment alone or with a friend. The IRO will put you in contact with a property broker to help them to find a good place. A furnished apartment costs from US$700 to US$1200 monthly (this amount is shared by the students who live there). In addition to paying for an apartment, the property broker charges a fee of 25% to 50% of the rent (which is not reimbursable). Generally, one month's rent is requested in advance as a guarantee. Students must also pay shared expenses (building maintenance) and utilities (phone, electricity, water and gas). Distance from Research Facility and Plans to Facilitate Transportation depends, but the places that IRO recommends are 20-40 minutes far by bus.

Health Issues:

The NIH/ICRF program requires all trainees to see a physician before they leave for assignment abroad. Please visit U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The Yellow Book: Health Information for International Travel for more information.

Safety Issues:

Chile is recognized as one of safest countries in Latin America. However IRO encourages fellows to live in a safe, pleasant place, concordant with their expectations and resources. UDD and Clínica Alemana as well are located in one of the safest places in the city, so students have to get the same precautions that they would need in any city around the world.
See the U.S. State Department we site for more information.

Language requirements other than English:

Although knowledge of Spanish Language is desirable, most of the investigators in Chile can communicate in English.

What is it like to live in Chile?

Santiago is a large, modern urban center with good mass transit, including an excellent subway system and a recently upgraded bus system. Santiago is also the center for rail, bus and airline travel to all areas of Chile. Valparaiso and Vińa del Mar are coastal cities which are easily accessible from Santiago.