By Natalia Rueda 
The death of Catalina Gutiérrez Zuluaga, a resident of the surgery specialization at the Javeriana University, has sparked outrage and calls for an investigation into the alleged abuse she suffered at the prestigious educational institution. Gutiérrez’s tragic decision to end her own life has shed light on the dark side of medical education, where students and residents endure mistreatment and abuse instead of receiving the support and guidance they need to become successful healthcare professionals.
The letter she left to her colleagues
“Thank you to all the residents, from each one of them I have learned a lot. I will always carry you in my heart. You can do it!”
Cheer up.
– CGZ
#EsNoticia | La Asociación Nacional de Internos y Residentes pidió que se analice y se investigue la muerte en extrañas circunstancias de la residente de cirugía perteneciente a la Universidad Javeriana, la profesional Catalina Gutiérrez, quien al parecer, habría dado a conocer… pic.twitter.com/Twj1Kqy8S3
— RCN Radio (@rcnradio) July 20, 2024
The Javeriana University was in charge of publishing the unfortunate notice.
“We honor Catalina’s memory with the best memories she left during her time at the University.
We appreciate accompanying her parents, her sister and other family members with respect, empathy, solidarity and delicacy.”
Honramos la memoria de Catalina con los mejores recuerdos que dejó en su paso por la Universidad.
— Medicina Javeriana (@MedicinaPUJ) July 20, 2024
Apreciamos acompañar con respeto, empatía, solidaridad y delicadeza a sus padres, su hermana y demás familiares. pic.twitter.com/oSgMpwcSJ1
The educational institution is in an unexpected spotlight after the tragic loss of a Javeriana medical student, which sparked a heated political control debate around the minister of education.
Testimonial by Dr Jaramillo
Dr. Carlos Jaramillo, director of the Institute of Functional Medicine and former student at the Universidad Javeriana medical school, spoke about his own experiences of mistreatment by professors and colleagues during his time at the institution. Jaramillo’s testimony sheds light on the toxic environment within the university. He ended up resigning from the university because it was more than he could bear as a person.
In the competitive world of medicine, students and residents are often subjected to intense pressure, long hours, and high expectations. However, this does not justify the mistreatment and abuse that is sometimes inflicted upon them. According to Jaramillo, “in this institution they end our lives, they end our dreams.” This statement highlights the profound impact that mistreatment can have on young doctors, ultimately leading to tragedy in some cases.
The news of Gutiérrez’s death has sparked a national conversation about the reality of abuse in medical education. Many students and doctors have come forward to share their own personal stories of mistreatment and the toll it has taken on their mental health.
The Javeriana University makes a statement on the matter
Through a statement published on Sunday, the institution expressed its deepest condolences on the death of the student and assured that it will investigate cases related to these abuses.
“Faced with the sad news of the death of our surgical resident we want to express from the bottom of our heart condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and professors.”
“We would like to ask the community for the utmost care and respect in the use of the word in these moments of vulnerability and sadness of our educational community”.
“The university will review and inquire about the existence of situations that are not in line with our way of proceeding and will take the necessary measures to ensure the welfare of the Javeriana community”.
The Javeriana University, known for its excellence in medical education, must now face the reality that it is failing to protect and support its students and residents. The death of Gutiérrez is a stark reminder that the pursuit of prestige and success should never come at the cost of mental and emotional well-being. It is time for action to be taken in order to prevent more tragic losses and support the mental health of those who are dedicating their lives to becoming the doctors, scientists, and leaders of tomorrow.