The Regional Council of Sicily has approved a memorandum of understanding between UniCamillus University, Regione Sicilia and Fondazione Giglio in Cefalù, Palermo. The agreement provides for teaching, training, and professional internships for students enrolled on the MSc in Medicine and Surgery at the Giglio Hospital in Cefalù.
“My government has always been committed to offering high-quality university courses”, said Regional President Renato Schifani. “This collaboration is a valuable resource for the area because it enables many young people to build their future without having to leave their homeland. Investing in education and medical training means tackling the shortage of medical professionals that we have unfortunately experienced in recent years and building solid foundations for the future of our community”.
“We welcome this agreement with great interest and enthusiasm as it represents a real opportunity for our students and the regional healthcare system”, said UniCamillus Rector Gianni Profita. “The synergy with Regione Sicilia and Fondazione Giglio strengthens and amplifies the University’s mission of training medical professionals who are well prepared and have strong roots in the local area. These professionals will be capable of facing the challenges of contemporary healthcare and the complex changes taking place. We are confident that this agreement is just one of the building blocks of a collaboration that will become increasingly solid and long-lasting”.
The G. Giglio Hospital in Cefalù has been designated a centre of excellence for teaching, research, healthcare and continuing medical education. Students will have the opportunity to undertake training courses in this field and participate in clinical and laboratory activities under the direct supervision of qualified tutors.
“We are particularly interested in biomedical and healthcare research, an area in which the Regione and the University can collaborate on research projects aimed at developing scientific innovations and new organisational and training models”, added Health Councillor Daniela Faraoni. “This objective is based not only on the continuous improvement of knowledge applicable to medical practice, but also on creating real opportunities for newly qualified medical professionals and enabling them to remain in their home area”.
The memorandum of understanding, which will last for three years and may be extended for a similar period, also provides for the establishment of a joint integrated management committee. This committee will include the Rector and President of UniCamillus as well as the Director General of the Fondazione Giglio in Cefalù. They will ensure consistency between healthcare planning and research projects.